Name: Miso Caesar Salad with Radicchio
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp anchovie paste, or 1 anchovie; 2/3 cup olive oil; 1 Tbs Mayonaise of choice; 2 tsp soy sauce.; 1 lemon.; 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper, plus more; 1.5 Tbs white miso paste; 2 Garlic cloves; 2 cups chopped Romain; 2 cups chopped Radicchio (1/2 small Radicchio); 1 cup Nappa Cabbage; 1/4 cup parmesan.; 1/4 cup Miso Caesar dressing, see above.; Fresh Black Pepper, to taste

miso caesar salad with miso caesar dressing

By: Merritt Allen

If there is one thing you could eat everyday, it is salad! Everyone knows there is nothing more tasty than crunchy vegetables and this miso caesar salad with Radicchio is not only crunchy but also delicious. Using a homemade miso dressing that combines the umami rich flavors of miso paste, sardines, and soy sauce. It is the traditional caesar dressing that you know, but elevated with these rich and delicious flavors.

This miso caesar salad is the perfect pairing with lots of parmesan cheese, any protein you love, and lots of fresh cracked black pepper to finish this salad off so nicely.

You will love this salad as a special way to enjoy your favorite caesar dressing but made tastier and more delicious! The radicchio and romaine is fresh and bright, making this salad a light but filling salad recipe to pair with any meal. You can also enjoy this salad all on its own as a scrumptious meal that will not leave you overly full! This post will walk you through making this delicious caesar salad made with miso caesar dressing.

Jump To Recipe

Why You Will Love This Miso Caesar Salad

Who doesn’t love an incredibly easy meal that is also tasty? You will love how delicious this miso caesar salad is and how well it pairs with just about anything. You will also love the miso caesar dressing for pouring over roasted vegetables, adding to any rice bowls, or drizzling over your morning eggs. Let me know how you use your leftover miso caesar dressing in the comments below!

This miso dressing does not use parmesan cheese, as is traditional for most caesar dressings. This helps highlight the miso flavor and keeps the dressing a little lighter.

Questions For Miso Caesar Salad with Radicchio:

What is a Radicchio Substitute?

Radicchio is a crunchy vegetable that is a mix of cabbage, romaine, and kale. It is slightly bitter and can be a strong flavor. If you are looking for a substitute for radicchio, try using red cabbage, Nappa cabbage, or endive. Lighter lettuces that are closer to Romain include butter lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and spring mix.

parmesan topped miso caesar dressed salad

How To Make Caesar Dressing Without Anchovies?

Anchovies are a strong flavor component may not resonate with everyone. If you are looking to replace or leave the anchovies out, try adding in a tsp of Worcestershire sauce, a little soy sauce, or some parmesan. These substitutes are a great way to add umami flavor to your caesar dressing without needing to add the anchovies.
The miso paste has a lot of flavor, you can also mix the dressing without the anchovies if you prefer, and then add in the above substitutes to taste. You may find you like the dressing with the strong miso flavor alone!

How To Store Leftover Miso Caesar Dressing?

Miso caesar dressing stores in the fridge in a sealed container for a couple of weeks. If the dressing separates while sitting in the fridge, do not worry! Shaking the dressing vigorously will often re-emulsify the dressing. If you find that the dressing strengthens in flavor while it sits, adding a couple tablespoons of water to re-mix and mellow out the flavor.

What To Serve with Miso Caesar Salad with Radicchio?

This miso caesar salad pairs with a lot of different dishes. It is great with homemade croutons, a simple chicken breast or other protein. I have listed some great pairings below. Let me know which one you try in the comments below!
Flank steak in soy marinade is a great addition to this salad! The steak is soy marinaded and is the perfect compliment.
Try Buckwheat Crackers as a crunchy addition that is seedy, healthy, and the perfect pairing!
If you are in a miso mood, try this salad with Miso Noodles with Shrimp! This recipe is a delicious noodle recipe that is begging to be paired with this miso dressed caesar salad.

Ingredients For Miso Caesar Salad with Radicchio

Recipe For the Miso Dressing

1 tsp anchovie paste, or 1 anchovie You can buy anchovies packed in oil that can be mashed into 1 tsp increments.
2/3 cup olive oil Olive oil is the main fat in the salad dressing.
1 Tbs Mayonaise of choice This is an optional ingredient but it adds just a touch of easy creaminess!
2 tsp soy sauce Soy sauce adds salt and flavor
1 lemon I suggest zesting the lemon prior to squeezing. You can add the zest to the top of the salad.
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper Black pepper is a crucial ingredient for caesar dressing. It is added to the dressing and then again on top of the salad.
1.5 Tbs white miso paste If you have red miso paste, use 1 Tbs to start.
2 Garlic cloves Fresh garlic adds flavor and spice!

Recipe For Miso Caesar Salad.

2 cups chopped Romain
2 cups chopped Radicchio (1/2 small Radicchio). I recommend removing the hard core.
1 cup Nappa Cabbage Though optional, Nappa cabbage adds hearty crunch.
1/4 cup parmesan
1/4 cup Miso Caesar dressing see above.
Fresh Black Pepper, to taste

How To Make Miso Caesar Dressing with Radicchio

Make the Caesar Dressing
1. To a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients for the dressing and blitz until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust for lemon, pepper, and miso flavor. If your dressing is not smooth, add extra oil or a little bit of water.
3. Set the dressing aside in the fridge to meld while you make the salad.
Assemble the Caesar Salad
1. Wash and cut the Romain, Radicchio, and Nappa Cabbage (if using). Separate the desired amount of each for your salad. See above for recommended amounts.
2. Add your lettuces to a bowl with 1/4 cup miso caesar dressing.
3. Top with parmesan and black pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Adjust dressing levels, cheese levels, or black pepper levels and Enjoy!