Are you tired of the same old Caesar salad? Craving something fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious? Then get ready to elevate your salad game with this Cava Tahini Caesar! This recipe takes the beloved Caesar salad and infuses it with bright, Mediterranean flavors, thanks to the addition of crisp cava and creamy tahini. It's a surprisingly simple yet incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated appetizer. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
For the Cava Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cava (or white wine)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cava, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
-
Dress and Serve: Pour the cava tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cava Tahini Caesar:
- Toast those pine nuts! Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Don't overdress! Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Get creative with toppings! Feel free to add other toppings you enjoy, such as cucumber, avocado, or croutons.
Variations:
- Vegan option: Omit the feta cheese for a delicious vegan version.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
- Different greens: Substitute romaine lettuce with your favorite greens, such as spinach or arugula.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Cava Tahini Caesar is a delicious and healthy addition to your meal repertoire. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, showcasing homemade cooking at its finest. The combination of creamy tahini, bright cava, and fresh vegetables creates a truly unforgettable salad experience. Enjoy!