Tahini Caesar from Sweetgreen features crisp romaine lettuce, creamy tahini dressing, crunchy garbanzo beans, and shaved Parmesan, delivering a flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad with a rich, nutty, and refreshing taste.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Salad tongs or large mixing spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler or cheese shaver
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Small bowl (for mixing dressing)
- Whisk (for dressing)
- Baking sheet (if roasting garbanzo beans)
- Colander (for rinsing lettuce/garbanzo beans)
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin dressing, as needed)
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Romaine lettuce should be thoroughly rinsed and dried to ensure crispness in your salad. When roasting garbanzo beans, coat them evenly with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for optimal flavor and crunch. Tahini, a key ingredient in the dressing, has a rich, nutty taste that balances the acidity of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk the dressing ingredients well and adjust the water quantity to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Your homemade Tahini Caesar from Sweetgreen will capture the fresh, bold flavors of the original, featuring crunchy garbanzo beans and shaved Parmesan for a refreshing twist on the classic.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain and rinse garbanzo beans; pat dry with a paper towel.
- Toss garbanzo beans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread garbanzo beans on a baking sheet in a single layer; roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy. Allow to cool.
- Wash, dry, and chop romaine lettuce; transfer to large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic clove, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and water as needed until smooth and creamy.
- Add tahini dressing to the romaine lettuce; toss gently to coat using salad tongs or large spoons.
- Top salad with crispy garbanzo beans and shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
This Tahini Caesar from Sweetgreen copycat menu combines romaine lettuce, roasted garbanzo beans, and a creamy tahini dressing for a nutty and refreshing flavor. If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter to maintain the creamy texture. Garbanzo beans can be swapped with roasted chickpeas or crispy croutons for added crunch depending on availability. When preparing the dressing, adjust the water quantity to get your preferred consistency. Keep in mind that fresh lemon juice is crucial to balance the richness of tahini, so avoid bottled juice if possible.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly dry the garbanzo beans before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness. When whisking the tahini dressing, add water gradually to reach the perfect creamy consistency without making it too runny. Use salad tongs or large spoons to toss the salad gently, preventing the romaine lettuce from wilting. Your Tahini Caesar will shine with freshly shaved Parmesan added just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutritions
Tahini Caesar from Sweetgreen offers a nutrient-rich profile with romaine lettuce providing vitamins A and K, while garbanzo beans contribute plant-based protein and dietary fiber essential for digestion. The tahini dressing adds healthy fats, primarily unsaturated fats, along with minerals like calcium and iron from sesame seeds. This salad also delivers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from olive oil and spices such as smoked paprika and garlic powder. Your meal balances fresh greens, roasted legumes, and tangy Parmesan, supporting both heart health and satiety.
Storage
Store your Tahini Caesar salad components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the roasted garbanzo beans in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crunch, while the romaine lettuce and dressing should be stored in the refrigerator, with the dressing in a sealed jar to prevent spoilage. Assemble the salad just before serving to enjoy the crisp romaine and creamy tahini dressing at their best.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the tahini dressing by adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy lemon juice and vinegar. Swap crispy roasted garbanzo beans for toasted pine nuts or walnuts to introduce a different crunchy texture and nutty flavor. To make the salad more vibrant, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes, which complement the creamy dressing with their freshness. Experiment with grilled romaine instead of raw for a smoky depth that enhances the richness of the Parmesan and tahini.
Allergies
Tahini Caesar from Sweetgreen contains sesame seeds in the tahini dressing, which is a common allergen that may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Parmesan cheese contains dairy, potentially triggering lactose intolerance or milk allergies. You should check for any allergies to sesame, dairy, or chickpeas before consuming this salad to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Sweetgreen's Tahini Caesar menu combines creamy tahini dressing with crisp romaine, grilled chicken, and crunchy chickpeas, creating a unique, flavorful twist on a classic Caesar salad. This dish balances rich, nutty tahini with zesty lemon and garlic, making it both refreshing and satisfying. You'll appreciate the nutrient-rich ingredients that provide a wholesome, protein-packed meal. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to customize flavors and enjoy a nutritious salad inspired by a popular, health-conscious restaurant favorite.