Spicy Warm Crunchy Brussels Caesar Salad with Almonds

That’s a lot of adjectives in front of “Caesar Salad,” but I assure you this salad is not difficult. It is also fantastic. The spicy comes from cayenne. The crunchy comes from toasted almonds, and the quinoa if you feel so inclined to try crisping it. Crisping quinoa does involve an extra step but it makes the quinoa taste vaguely nutty and a little popcorn-esque. You could just as easily use regularly prepared quinoa, though, and this salad would be unchanged. The tahini Caesar dressing is also king – super lemony and salty with parmesan cheese as any good Caesar should be.

what you need

2 bunches of large Brussels Sprouts, shaved or sliced very thinly

3-4 tablespoons of minced chives

1/2 cup toasted almond slivers

1 cup of Quinoa, cooked according to the package

2-3 glugs of olive oil

(optional) 1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the dressing…

1/4 cup tahini

Juice from half a lemon

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 cup (heaping) of parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1 clove of fresh garlic, minced

salt, cracked black pepper, and tons of cayenne pepper

2-3 glugs of olive oil

how to make it

Make the quinoa according to the package and let it cool uncovered for a while. Preheat the oven to 400.

Chop or slice the Brussels Sprouts (a mandolin works great if you have one), toss in olive oil and salt, and spread out on a pan. Roast at 400 for 10 minutes, then stir the Brussels, and continue roasting for ~5-7 more minutes. You’re going for al dente.

If you’re going to crisp your quinoa, you can do so at the same time as the Brussels. Just spread them out on some parchment paper, drizzle with a bit of oil, stir, and roast until beginning to crisp but not burn.

While the Brussels are roasting, make the dressing. Put all ingredients in a small chopper and blend until smooth, adding water or nutmilk incrementally as needed to thin it out.

When the Brussels come out of the oven, place in a large bowl and let cool for a few minutes. Pour the dressing on top and toss until well coated. Add in the chives and almonds, and toss a bit more. If using regularly cooked quinoa, add it in and toss with the Brussels, but if using crisped quinoa, I like to add it on top and toss it lightly before eating.

Top with a slight dusting of parmesan cheese and enjoy warm.