Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad

In the world of salads, few dishes have achieved the iconic status of the Caesar salad. This classic recipe, known for its creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and savory croutons, has remained a favorite for decades. However, as culinary trends evolve and health-conscious eating becomes increasingly popular, there’s room for innovation within this beloved dish. The Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad is a refreshing take that marries traditional flavors with a nutritious twist, making it an ideal option for those looking to elevate their salad game.

Discover a fresh and nutritious twist on the classic Caesar salad with this Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad recipe. Enjoy the delightful crunch of protein-packed crispy chickpeas paired with crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a healthy meal, this salad is easy to customize with seasonal veggies and tasty toppings. Elevate your salad game with this deliciously satisfying dish!

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Chickpeas:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Caesar Dressing:

½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free option)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegan alternative)

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Pat the rinsed chickpeas dry with a paper towel. Remove any loose skins for extra crispiness.

- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well coated.

- Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Caesar Dressing:

- In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.

- Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust ingredients as per your preference (more lemon juice for tang, more yogurt for creaminess).

Assemble the Salad:

- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crispy chickpeas, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.

- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything nicely.

Serve:

- Divide the salad among serving plates, topping with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best crunch!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings