Romaine and Apple Salad with Oil-Free Sesame Dressing

Create this delicious dressing without paying for expensive tahini. The power of the Vitamix machine crushes the sesame seeds, releasing the natural oils and helping the flavors complement dishes like our Romaine and Apple Salad.

Ingredients

• For the Dressing
• ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 lime, peeled
• 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• ¾ cup (100 g) sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 bunch fresh parsley leaves
• ½ bunch (20 g) fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• For the Salad
• 2 head (400 g) romaine lettuce
• 4 cups (475 cups) shredded cooked chicken
• 2 medium (200 g) apples, cubed
• ¾ cup (100 g) dried cranberries
• 1 cup (175 g) almonds
• 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

1. For the dressing: Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed. Blend for 40-50 seconds, using the tamper to push ingredients toward the blades.
3. For the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, and 3/4 cup of the dressing. Toss thoroughly and top with the apples, cranberries, almonds, and additional sesame seeds.

Notes

Treat this dressing as you would a Caesar salad-style dressing. Add a little bit, mix the ingredients, and add more if desired. This dressing chills well, but loses its green color after a few days due its acidity reacting with the greens, so it is best eaten the day it is made.

Nutrition

1 serving (302g)

• Calories: 429

• Total Fat: 25g

• Total Carbohydrate: 38g

  • Dietary Fiber: 9g
  • Sugars: 17g

• Protein: 17g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 350mg