Little Gem Miso Caesar with Edamame
Crisp Little Gem leaves get coated in a creamy Miso Caesar that hits savory, nutty, and bright all at once. Toasted sesame seeds add a little crunch while the side of creamy avocado and tender edamame with furikake brings salty sesame flavor into every bite. It feels fresh but still satisfying, with enough richness to make it feel like a real meal. This is the kind of salad that somehow disappears faster than you expect.
Servings: Four
INGREDIENTS
3 heads Little Gem lettuce
2 avocados
2 cups shelled edamame
2 scallions
1 tablespoon mixed sesame seeds
1 teaspoon furikake
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Miso Caesar Dressing
1 tablespoon white miso paste
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon tamari
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 to 3 tablespoons water
PREPARATION
Cook edamame: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add 2 cups shelled edamame and cook 3 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Make Miso Caesar Dressing: Blend 1 tablespoon white miso paste, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon tamari, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 small garlic clove, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 2 to 3 tablespoons water until smooth and creamy. Add a little more water if needed.
Prep vegetables: Separate leaves from 3 heads Little Gem lettuce and pat dry well. Thinly slice 2 scallions. Cut 2 avocados into cubes just before serving.
Assemble salad: Arrange Little Gem leaves on a large platter and drizzle lightly with Miso Caesar dressing. Scatter sliced scallions over top.
Plate: Toss 2 cups cooked edamame and cubed avocado with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and a spoonful of Miso Caesar dressing. Spoon the mixture down the center of the salad, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon furikake and 1 tablespoon mixed sesame seeds, drizzle with additional dressing if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes:
Little Gem holds dressing well because the leaves act like little cups and stay crisp longer than softer greens.
If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons water before serving.
