Arab-Style Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original American Caesar Salad typically includes ingredients like Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and croutons, our Arab-style adaptation replaces these with Middle Eastern flavors. We substitute Parmesan cheese with crumbled feta cheese, Worcestershire sauce with lemon juice, and traditional croutons with homemade za'atar croutons. The dressing is also transformed with the addition of tahini, a staple ingredient in Arab cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tahini 1/4 cup (60ml) tahini
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend
• 4 slices of day-old bread, cubed 4 slices of day-old bread, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, olive oil, and za'atar spice blend. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the za'atar croutons over the top of the salad just before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve the Arab-Style Caesar Salad fresh and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Romaine lettuce — Make sure to wash the lettuce thoroughly and dry it well before chopping to remove any dirt or moisture.
• Tahini — Stir the tahini well before using to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Za'atar spice blend — You can find za'atar spice blend in Middle Eastern grocery stores or make your own by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds over the salad.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tahini dressing.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
• Experiment with different types of bread for the croutons, such as pita bread or sourdough.
• If you don't have za'atar spice blend, you can substitute it with a mixture of dried thyme, sesame seeds, and a pinch of sumac.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-Style Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or a light lunch. It pairs well with warm pita bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or kebabs.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, placing the vibrant green romaine lettuce at the bottom. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Finally, garnish with a generous amount of za'atar croutons for an enticing visual appeal.