Description
A smoky, tangy, and bold Caesar salad inspired by Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte, NC. Packed with garlic confit, miso, and smoky breadcrumbs, this salad reinvents a classic with Southern flair.
Ingredients
1 large head romaine lettuce (washed and crisped)
1/2 cup garlic confit or roasted garlic cloves
2 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
1 cup smoky breadcrumbs (toasted with smoked paprika)
Fresh shaved parmesan cheese
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional: Spicy roasted chicken or honey-lime chicken leftovers
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and roast garlic cloves drizzled in olive oil for 10 minutes.
2. In a skillet, toast breadcrumbs with smoked paprika until crisp and fragrant.
3. In a bowl, whisk miso, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon (optional) until smooth and creamy.
4. Chop romaine into chunky ribbons and place in a large mixing bowl.
5. Toss romaine with dressing until well coated.
6. Sprinkle smoky breadcrumbs and shaved parmesan on top before serving.
7. Optionally, top with leftover chicken for added protein.
Notes
You can substitute romaine with baby kale or butter lettuce for a different texture.
Nutritional yeast or cashew crumble can replace parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Serve as a side or make it a main dish with added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: bird pizzeria caesar salad, smoky caesar salad, miso caesar, crunchy salad