Is the Romaine Lettuce Salad Christmas Tree vegan?

Yes, the recipe is 100% vegan as written. It features plant-based ingredients including chickpeas, fresh vegetables, croutons, and a creamy tahini dressing. If you’re not strictly vegan, you can add crumbled feta cheese for a salty touch, but it’s completely optional.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients a few hours in advance, including roasting the chickpeas, chopping the vegetables, and mixing the dressing. However, it's best to assemble the tree and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the romaine from wilting and the croutons from softening.

How do I serve the Romaine Lettuce Salad Christmas Tree at a party?

The salad can be served as finger food or from a shared platter with tongs. For hygiene and ease, consider using food-safe gloves during assembly and provide utensils for serving. You can also prepare individual mini trees for a creative plated presentation.

Romaine Lettuce Salad Christmas Tree – Best Holiday Appetizer

Name: Romaine Lettuce Salad Christmas Tree
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 teaspoons olive oil (for chickpeas); 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (for chickpeas); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2–3 heads romaine lettuce, inner leaves used; 1/2 cup small diced tomato; 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup diced marinated artichoke hearts; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, mint, or cilantro); 1/2 cup smashed croutons; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup tahini (for dressing); 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (for dressing); 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, Herbs de Provence); Salt and black pepper, to taste (for dressing)

Description

This Romaine Lettuce Salad Christmas Tree is a festive and healthy holiday appetizer made with crisp romaine leaves shaped like a Christmas tree, topped with seasoned chickpeas, fresh Greek-style vegetables, and drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing. It’s vegan, customizable, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons olive oil (for chickpeas)
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (for chickpeas)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2–3 heads romaine lettuce, inner leaves used
1/2 cup small diced tomato
1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced marinated artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, mint, or cilantro)
1/2 cup smashed croutons
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup tahini (for dressing)
1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (for dressing)
1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, Herbs de Provence)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (for dressing)

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Instructions

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas, granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tamari, granulated garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Chop all the vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, artichokes) into small, uniform pieces.
Remove the outer leaves of the romaine lettuce. Gently pull apart the remaining leaves, using larger ones for the base of the tree and smaller ones for the top.
On a large serving platter, arrange the romaine leaves in a Christmas tree shape, starting from the bottom and layering upwards.
Sprinkle the crispy chickpeas and chopped vegetables evenly over the lettuce tree.
Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over the top of the salad.
Finish by sprinkling the smashed croutons and chopped herbs on top for garnish.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Add dressing right before serving to maintain texture.

Notes

Use gloves or tongs when assembling for hygiene, especially if serving at a party.
Customize toppings based on dietary preferences—add feta for non-vegans or omit croutons for gluten-free.
Romaine holds up better than other lettuces for structure and crunch.
Prep ingredients ahead, but assemble just before serving to prevent wilting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side
Method: Stovetop, Assembly
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg