A spin on a classic, Mother Raw takes on the Caesar Salad! Packed with plant based protein in the form of chickpea croutons, coconut bacon rich in fiber and healthy fats, and with the zingy addition of pickled onions this may become your new go-to Caesar salad version!
For quick pickled onions, pack the onions into a large mason jar or glass container. In a small saucepan, combine water, vinegars, maple syrup, and salt. Over medium heat bring mixture to a simmer, then carefully pour the mixture into the jar over the onions. Using a spoon, press the onions down into the vinegar. Let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes) then move on to next steps. Cover and refrigerate leftover pickled onions for up to 3 weeks.
For chickpea croutons, mix chickpeas together with a ⅓ cup Mother Raw Smoky Chipotle Dressing. Spread onto a large parchment paper lined baking tray and roast for a total of 30 minutes.
For coconut bacon, mix coconut flakes with ¼ cup Mother Raw Smoky Chipotle Dressing. Spread onto the chickpea tray or a second parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 18 minutes or until deep to dark golden brown, stirring chickpeas and coconut every 5 minutes (watch coconut doesn’t burn). Remove chickpeas and coconut from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, they will crisp up as they sit.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add shredded kale and ½ tsp salt and rub together with clean hands for about 5 minutes, it should become bright green and shrink in size (equals about 5 cups after it shrinks down!).
Add cooled chickpeas, a few forkfuls of pickled onions, and nutritional yeast. Start by drizzling with ½ cup Mother Raw Roasted Garlic Caesar Dressing and add more to taste. Sprinkle with coconut bacon and enjoy!