The best caesar salads are packed with lemon. Lemon is that secret ingredient in my opinion that turns a caesar salad from a meh salad to a salad you actually crave. If you're coming off your period and are ready for some fresh and vibrant foods, this caesar is one I've been making on repeat for months. Especially during the warmer months, it is a follicular phase favorite of mine!
Ingredients:
Makes ~4 large servings
- 3 c shredded romaine
- 3 c shredded kale
- 1 bunch broccolini
- 1 can chickpeas
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 c mayo
- 1/4 c lemon juice + 3 tbsp
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp herbs de provence
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt
- pepper
- red pepper flakes
- olive oil
- chicken breast (optional)
- poultry seasoning (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- If adding chicken, rub oil over all of it and season with salt and poultry seasoning, or seasoning of choice. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Wash and chop about an inch off the broccolini stems. Remove the leaves. Mince one garlic clove and combine that with about 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, a pinch of salt and dash of red pepper flakes. Coat the broccolini in the mixture and bake underneath the chicken (if making) for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain, rinse, and dry chickpeas. Transfer to a bowl and add about 1 tbsp oil, cumin, herbs de provence, and a good pinch of salt. Mix well, then air fry at 400 for 15 minutes.
- Wash and chop the lettuce and kale into shreds. Use a salad spinner to dry if needed.
- Make the dressing by combining mayo, 1/4 c lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt, some cracked black pepper, and a splash of water in a blender.
- To serve, combine the lettuce with the dressing, add some broccolini to the side, then chickpeas, sliced chicken on top (if using), and another wedge of lemon if desired.
Add more chickpeas to your plate if you're skipping the chicken. Chickpeas are high in protein. Feel free to skip the romaine or kale and just do one or the other. Also, to make this completely vegan, you can use chickpea mayo, or another mayo alternative. I personally prefer using avocado oil mayo. There are also vegan options of Worcestershire sauce available! Enjoyy 🫶