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5 from 2 votes

Spicy Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Servings: 4 -6
Author: Inspired by Jon & Vinny's restaurant

Ingredients

  • Dressing: 6 Tablespoons Vegenaise I like soy-free or good quality mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon capers drained from brine or anchovy paste
  • 1-2 teaspoons chopped Calabrian chiles or hot sauce or to taste
  • 3 Tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed
  • ___________________________________________________
  • Breadcrumbs:
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter or plant butter
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs you can find gluten-free crumbs if necessary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt as needed depending on how salty the breadcrumbs are
  • 3 heads of Little Gem lettuce leaves separated and left whole or 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried and chopped into bite size pieces
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or plant-based Parmesan I do this with my large microplane.

Instructions

  • In a blender, process all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste for heat and salt and adjust accordingly. Set aside. Dressing will hold up in the fridge for up to one week.
  • In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, add the butter and the oil. Once the butter is melted, add the breadcrumbs and stir until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Don’t leave the stove. The breadcrumbs can burn easily! Stir in the garlic powder and taste for salt. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Place the lettuce in a bowl or platter and toss with enough dressing to coat lightly. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and then the cheese. Serve any extra dressing on the side.

Notes

This is a great basic recipe to which you can add things like smashed green Castelvetrano olives, whole anchovies packed in oil, grilled salmon or chicken or tofu, jarred roasted tomatoes, roasted artichoke quarters….