caesar

Alabama White Sauce Caesar Salad with Grilled Tofu

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I have tried a ton of vegan caesar salad recipes, and dressings over the years, and until now none have been a winner.

So when recently I was making a caesar salad, and contemplating the protein I would add, I decided on Alabama White Sauce Grilled Tofu, and a light bulb went off.

Alabama White Sauce (AWS) is a a tangy, vinegar and mayo based bbq sauce which originated it Northern Alabama at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q.

Our AWS is a vinegar and mayo based sauce like the original, with a little kick and has just enough tang to work as a caesar dressing substitute. AWS is a staple condiment in our house because it is delicious and versatile, and not just for bbq!

So after I grilled up the tofu, it occurred to me to take the leftover sauce and turn it into the dressing for this salad .

PURE JOY! It was so good that I will never attempt another “caesar” dressing recipe again.

I also added some carrots and avocado to this salad because I’m adult and I can do what I want..right?? And what I want is avocado and carrots on everything, even if it's not the norm, who cares if it tastes good.

So if you are searching for a super tasty, all be it nontraditional caesar salad recipe, here ya go! And my guess is if you try it, AWS will become a fridge staple for you as well.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2-3 heads romaine lettuce

  • 1-2 avocados

  • 1/3 cups shredded carrots

  • 1/4 loaf day old bread (french, artisan, gluten free, any thick bread will do)

  • 2 teaspoons olive or grape seed oil

  • 2 teaspoons all purpose seasoning, any you like

  • 1 batch Alabama White Sauce Grilled Tofu

  • A few tablespoons vegan parmesan cheee

Alabama White Sauce Caesar Dressing:

  • 1/2 batch Alabama White Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

preheat oven to 350 degrees (for the croutons)

  1. For the croutons, cut day old bread into bitesize cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl along with 2 teaspoons of oil and all purpose seasoning and toss.

  2. Once the bread is coated, spread the cubes onto a cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cubes are crisp and well toasted.

  3. Wash and chop the lettuce. Peel and dice the avocado.

  4. For the dressing, whisk together the Alabama White Sauce with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, garlic and lemon.

  5. Add lettuce, avocado, carrots, and croutons to a large bowl. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing (enough to coat the lettuce) and top with strips of Alabama White Sauce Grilled Tofu and parmesan cheese to serve.