Description
This recipe is a modern fusion dish that breathes new life into conventional green salads. Essentially, a crispy falafel Caesar salad takes the beloved foundations of an authentic Caesar—the crisp romaine lettuce, the sharp shaved cheese, and the intensely savory dressing—and introduces Middle Eastern street food as the primary protein source.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Falafel
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Oil for frying or air-frying
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 1 cup croutons
Caesar Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Falafel
- Add chickpeas, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices to a food processor.
- Pulse until coarse but moldable.
- Add flour and baking powder; mix lightly.
- Shape into small balls or patties.
- Fry in hot oil until golden or air-fry at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper until creamy and tangy.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Add chopped romaine to a large bowl.
- Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Top with crispy falafel, Parmesan, and croutons.
4. Serve
- Serve immediately while falafel is warm and crispy.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~520 kcal
Keywords: falafel salad with caesar dressing, mediterranean caesar salad