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Blackened Sea Bass Ceasar Salad

Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 4 sea bass fillets (or halibut, skin-on if possible)
  • Blackening spice (store-bought works great!)
  • Drizzle of fresh lemon juice
  • Oil for pan-searing

For the Salad

  • 1 bunch of kale stems removed and chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, if you’re keeping it dairy)
  • Lemon wedges to serve

Raw Vegan Caesar Dressing

  • ½ cup cashews (soaked for 20 minutes)
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (soaked 4–8 hours)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (add preserved lemons for a flavor boost)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp tamari
  • ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of white pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 nori sheets (or 2 tsp nori / dulse flakes)

Instructions

Make the Vegan Caesar Dressing

  1. Add all dressing ingredients - cashews, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, water, garlic, nutritional yeast, tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, white pepper, salt, and nori - to a high-speed blender.

    Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Prep the Fish

  1. Start with portions of sea bass or halibut, skin on if possible. Chop into chunks or leave whole, depending on your preference.

  2. Season generously with blackening spice - I use a store-bought blend (you can find it just about anywhere).

  3. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.

  4. Finish with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice and set aside.

Make the Salad

  1. Add chopped kale to a large bowl and pour over your vegan Caesar dressing. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale for 1–2 minutes until it softens and darkens in color.

  2. If you're keeping it dairy, go ahead and top with some freshly grated Parmesan.

Assemble & Serve

  1. Spoon the creamy kale salad onto a plate. Arrange the cooked blackened fish on top and sprinkle with more cheese if desired. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for extra brightness.