CEASAR SALAD WITH GARLICKY PANKO TOPPING

This is our take on the classic Caesar salad—no anchovies, no dairy, and absolutely no compromise on flavour. Our Cashew Butter Sea Salt is the star here, bringing all the creaminess and depth you'd expect from a Caesar dressing. Topped with crispy garlicky panko, this easy-to-make salad is a total crowd-pleaser.

INGREDIENTS
Makes 5-6 servings

Cashew Ceasar Dressing
- ¼ cup Cashew Butter Sea Salt
- 2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp capers
- 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup water

Garlicky Panko Topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled, slightly smashed
- ¾ cup panko (Japanese style breadcrumbs)
- Pinch of sea salt

Salad
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped in bite-size pieces, about 5-6 cups packed
- 1 bunch romaine, chopped in bite-size pieces, about 5-6 cups packed

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the Dressing:

1. In a Mason jar or mixing container, combine cashew butter, tamari, Dijon, capers, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and water. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more garlic or lemon juice if you like it punchier, or a pinch of salt if needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water and blend again. The texture should be creamy and pourable.

Make the Garlicky Panko:

1. Heat the olive oil and smashed garlic cloves in a skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant. Remove and discard the garlic. Add the panko and stir to coat with the oil. Cook, stirring often, until golden and crispy, about 4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and let cool in a bowl.

1. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and add a spoonful of the dressing. Massage the kale with your hands for 2–3 minutes until it softens. Add the romaine, drizzle generously with more dressing, and toss well to coat. Top with the crispy panko and serve right away.

View step-by-step method here.