½cupraw sunflower seeds (soaked for at least 2 hours)
3tablespoonslemon juice
½tablespoonsnutritional yeast
¼teaspoonstamari soy sauce
2teaspoonstahini
1teaspoondijon mustard
3clovesof garlic, peeled
4tablespoonsolive oil
1teaspoonmaple syrup
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
¼cupwater, plus extra
PINE NUT "PARM"
½cupraw pine nuts
2tablespoonsraw sesame seeds
2teaspoonslemon zest
1tablespoonnutritional yeast
SMOKY CHICKPEAS
1cupcooked chickpeas
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
¼teaspoontamari soy sauce
½teaspoonmaple syrup
SALAD
1large bunch lacinato kale
½lbbrussels sprouts
¼head of green cabbage
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
Drain the sunflower seeds and place them in an upright blender. Add the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, tamari, tahini, dijon, garlic, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of water. Blend on high until you have a smooth mixture. Slowly add more water by the teaspoon until you have a dressing that will run off the back of a spoon. Scrape the dressing into a sealable container and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the pine nut "parm", in a food processor or dry ingredient-friendly blender pitcher, combine the pine nuts, sesame seeds, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend/Pulse until you have a crumbly mixture. Check it for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Set aside.
Towel dry the cooked chickpeas and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, tamari, maple syrup, salt, and pepper over top. Toss chickpeas lightly to coat and slide the tray into the oven. Roast chickpeas until slightly crispy, about 20 minutes, making sure to stir them around once or twice. Set aside.
While chickpeas are roasting, slice kale, brussels sprouts, and cabbage into slaw-appropriate shreds. I knifed the kale and mandolin-sliced the brussels sprouts and cabbage. Place all veggie shreds in a large bowl and toss with about half of the caesar dressing, a little extra lemon juice, some salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the pine nut "parm" and smoky chickpeas on top to finish and serve immediately.
Equipment
Blender
Food Processor
Recipe Notes
There will be extra dressing, but I'm sure you could find some creative ways to use it up. It totally holds up as a great veggie dip.
Also, if you love that super creamy, almost fatty kind of texture in a creamy dressing, feel free to use soaked raw cashews in place of the sunflower seeds.
Vegan kale and brussels sprout caesar slaw is a hearty and delicious take on the classic that's appropriate for fall and winter entertaining.