This Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa is a refreshing new take on a classic dish we all know and love! Crisp chopped celery is tossed in a creamy tahini caesar dressing that’s made without mayo or anchovies. It’s finished off with some crispy quinoa for a healthy, crunchy alternative to croutons. This gluten free and vegetarian salad is the perfect side dish or full meal paired with your favorite protein.
I recently ordered a caesar salad from Coppa in Boston and I was surprised when it came out with celery (instead of lettuce) as the base. Now, I’m not usually a celery loving gal (unless it has PB & raisins on it) so I was skeptical but it ended up being AMAZING. The celery was perfectly crisp, crunchy and refreshing. So naturally I had to remake it!This Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa draws inspiration from that restaurant menu item, with my own healthy spin!
The tahini caesar dressing is actually a recipe I’ve been making for over a year now. I first posted it on instagram last year, served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, and the internet had a lot to say about it LOL. Don’t worry, everyone who tried it absolutely loved it but there were plenty of trolls who were angry about me not including anchovies. Apparently people feel very passionately about their caesar dressings.
I hope this recipe reaches the people who love caesar salads but want a fun, unique and healthy twist on the classic! This recipe is truly the perfect balance between creamy, rich, salty, refreshing, crisp and crunchy. Pair it with your favorite protein and you have an ideal dinner!
Why You’ll Love this Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa
- This tahini caesar dressing is creamy and salty yet made without mayo and anchovies!
- Celery is the perfect crisp and refreshing base for this salad.
- This salad is topped with crispy quinoa for a healthier, gluten free alternative to croutons.
- This caesar salad is vegetarian and can easily be made dairy free.
- Since this salad is made with celery, the leftovers won’t get soggy!
- It’s a super simple recipe to throw together, with minimal prep-work and cooking.
What You Need to Make this Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa
For the Tahini Caesar Dressing:
- Tahini: Tahini (AKA ground sesame seeds) is the perfect creamy base for this caesar dressing! However, not all tahini is made the same – I would recommend staying away from the Trader Joe’s one. My favorite brand is Soom.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is one element of a classic caesar dressing that we’re not skipping out on! Make sure to finely grate it.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds some depth of flavor to this tahini caesar dressing.
- Capers: Capers are an optional ingredient but add a similar saltiness that anchovies typically provide.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t be shy with the salt!
- Water: Water thins out the caesar dressing so it becomes the perfect pourable consistency!
For the Crispy Quinoa & Salad:
- Quinoa: Let’s swap out the croutons/breadcrumbs for this crispy gluten free topping! I typically use white quinoa but any will work.
- Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil to roast the quinoa in.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season the quinoa with salt & pepper to taste.
- Celery: This isn’t your average Caesar salad – we’re swapping out the romaine lettuce for celery which surprisingly just WORKS and doesn’t get soggy.
- Parmesan: Garnish the salad with as much or as little shaved parmesan as you’d like.
- Pine Nuts: Optional but I like sprinkling a few on!
How To Make this Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa
Prepare the Crispy Quinoa:
First, preheat your oven to 375F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then add the quinoa. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and then spread out evenly on the baking sheet.
Next, transfer the baking sheet to the oven to roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once done, let the quinoa cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Mix Together the Tahini Caesar Dressing:
While the quinoa is cooking, add all the tahini caesar dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and shake or stir until combined. Feel free to add more water as necessary to get it to your preferred consistency.
Assemble the Tahini Caesar Salad:
Finally, toss the chopped celery with tahini caesar dressing. Then, garnish with the crispy quinoa, shaved parmesan and pine nuts, if using. Enjoy!
What is Crispy Quinoa?
If you’ve never tried crispy quinoa before, your life is about to be changed. It’s the perfect crunchy element to add to any and all salads but especially to a caesar! Think of it as a gluten free, slightly healthier substitute for toasted breadcrumbs or croutons.
Crispy quinoa is incredibly easy to make too. Simply cook the quinoa on the stovetop according to package instructions, let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a baking sheet with oil and seasonings and bake in the oven until golden and crispy!
How is this Tahini Caesar Dressing Different from Traditional Caesar Dressing?
Traditional caesar dressing is usually made with mayo, dijon mustard, anchovies and parmesan. My tahini caesar dressing swaps out tahini for mayo and capers for anchovies, making this dressing vegetarian and a bit healthier! Yet, it’s still filled with that salty, cheesy, delicious flavor we all know and love.
Can This Tahini Caesar Salad be Made Dairy Free/Vegan?
In full transparency, I originally intended for this recipe to be dairy free/vegan but after trying the vegan parmesan that I bought I changed course LOL. The vegan one simply tasted bad.
But, that’s not to say you can’t make this dairy free/vegan! As long as you have a brand of vegan parmesan that you love and trust, it’s an easy 1-to-1 swap. Let me know what your favorite brands are!
Not a Fan of Celery? No Worries!
If the celery is a really hard sell for you, you can obviously use this tahini caesar dressing with romaine or whatever lettuce you prefer! But I dare you to try it just once with the celery…I bet you’re going to love it more than you expect (speaking from my husband and I’s experience).
What Should I Serve with this Tahini Caesar Salad?
This tahini caesar with crispy quinoa is loaded with healthy fats, fiber and a decent amount of plant-based protein. However, if you want to make this a full meal, I recommend serving it alongside your favorite protein source.
You can never go wrong with the classic chicken caesar salad combo – either pan-seared chicken (seasoned with italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt & pepper) OR make your life even easier by using frozen chicken tenders.
More of a seafood kind of person? This salad would also be delicious with salmon or shrimp! The options are truly endless.
How Should I Store Leftover Tahini Caesar Salad?
Since this salad is made with celery instead of lettuce, it actually holds up pretty well and doesn’t get as soggy! With that said, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge WITHOUT the crispy quinoa. The crispy quinoa can be stored in a separate airtight container at room temperature.
Find the full recipe below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by leaving a rating and review below and tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.
Looking for more Salad Recipes?
- Harissa Couscous Salad With Roasted Vegetables
- Spring Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Halloumi and Chickpea Salad with Harissa Tahini Dressing
- Kale Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing
- Pesto Caesar Kale Salad with Delicata Squash
Tahini Caesar Salad with Celery and Crispy Quinoa
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- cheese grater
- small bowl or jar
- salad bowl + tongs
Ingredients
For the Tahini Caesar Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp water (to thin it out)
- 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan (can sub a vegan alternative)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp capers finely chopped (optional but encouraged)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- juice from ½ lemon
- kosher salt & black pepper to taste
For the Crispy Quinoa:
- 1 cup cooked & slightly cooled quinoa (about â…“ cup dry)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- kosher salt & black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 10 celery stalks sliced into thin strips on the diagonal*
- shaved parmesan
- pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and make sure the rack isn't too close to the top of your oven – otherwise the quinoa will burn! Line baking sheet with parchment paper and then add the quinoa. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and then spread out evenly on the baking sheet.1 cup cooked & slightly cooled quinoa, 1 tbsp olive oil, kosher salt & black pepper
- Transfer baking sheet to the oven to roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once done, let the quinoa cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- While the quinoa is cooking, add all tahini caesar dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and shake or stir until combined. Feel free to add more water as necessary to get it to your preferred consistency.¼ cup tahini, 3 tbsp water, 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp capers, 1 garlic clove, juice from ½ lemon, kosher salt & black pepper
- Toss chopped celery with tahini caesar dressing. Then, garnish with the crispy quinoa, shaved parmesan and pine nuts, if using. Enjoy!10 celery stalks, shaved parmesan, pine nuts
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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