This Raw Caesar Salad is not only delicious, but also packed with health benefits. The cashews and pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fats and minerals, while the romaine lettuce and other fresh vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. The nutritional yeast in the dressing and croutons adds a cheesy flavour and is a good source of B vitamins.
Ingredients:
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup cashews (preferably soaked for 20 minutes)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (soaked for 4 to 8 hours)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon tamari
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 sheets of nori (or 2 tsp dulse/nori flakes)
Salad:
- 2 romaine hearts, torn
- 1 avocado, diced
- 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
Croutons:
- 200g courgette, peeled
- 2 cups almonds (soaked for 4 to 8 hours)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Method of cooking:
Blend the ingredients: Place the soaked cashews, soaked pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, water, garlic, nutritional yeast, tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, white pepper, salt and nori leaves (or dulse/nori flakes) in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season to taste. Set to one side.
Blend courgettes and almonds: In a food processor, purée the peeled courgette until smooth. Add the soaked almonds and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Mix the crouton ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini and almond mixture with the olive oil, ground flaxseed, nutritional yeast, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, water, salt and lemon juice. Mix well to form a doughy consistency.
Shape and dry: Spread the mixture evenly on a dehydrator tray lined with non-stick paper. Score into small crouton sized pieces. Dry at 46°C (115°F) for 8-10 hours or until completely dry and crisp. Break into pieces and set aside.
Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine torn romaine lettuce, diced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes.
Add the dressing and croutons: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Add the prepared croutons and toss gently.
Serve the raw Caesar salad immediately, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
