Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad
A wholesome, plant-based twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch, creamy vegan Caesar dressing, and fresh romaine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick, satisfying, and nutrient-rich option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- ½ cup 4 fl oz vegan Caesar dressing
- 2 cups croutons
- ½ cup shaved vegan Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting chickpeas. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil. This prevents chickpeas from sticking and helps them crisp evenly while roasting.
- Rinse and Drain Chickpeas: Open a 15-ounce can of chickpeas and pour them into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and canned flavors. Shake off as much water as possible and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture.
- Season the Chickpeas: Transfer the dried chickpeas onto your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil evenly over the chickpeas. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss them gently, ensuring each chickpea is coated with oil and seasoning. This step enhances flavor and promotes even browning.
- Roast the Chickpeas: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the chickpeas for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice halfway through to ensure all sides crisp evenly. You’re looking for a golden-brown, crunchy exterior. Keep a close eye toward the end, as chickpeas can burn quickly. Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chickpeas to cool slightly—they will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Wash and Prep Romaine Lettuce: While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare your romaine. Remove the outer leaves if they are wilted or damaged. Separate the remaining leaves and wash them thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water, or lay the leaves flat on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Drying the lettuce ensures the dressing adheres well and prevents sogginess.
- Slice Romaine Leaves: Stack the washed romaine leaves and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch thick strips. Trim away any thick white stems at the base if desired, as they can be tough to chew. The uniform strips provide a pleasing texture and make the salad easier to toss and serve.
- Toss Lettuce with Dressing: Place the sliced romaine into a large mixing bowl. Pour ½ cup (4 fl oz) of vegan Caesar dressing over the lettuce. Using clean hands or salad tongs, toss gently but thoroughly to coat each leaf evenly. Take care not to overdress, which can make the salad soggy; aim for a light, creamy coating.
- Assemble the Salad on a Plate: Transfer the dressed romaine to a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the roasted chickpeas evenly over the top, ensuring each portion gets a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle 2 cups of croutons around the salad for added texture, followed by ½ cup of shaved vegan Parmesan cheese for savory richness.
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately while the chickpeas are still slightly warm and crunchy. This ensures a delightful contrast between crisp chickpeas, crunchy croutons, and fresh lettuce, making every bite satisfying.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh to keep chickpeas crunchy and lettuce crisp.
- Roast chickpeas a day ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Wash and dry romaine in advance, but toss with dressing just before serving.
- Use high-quality vegan Caesar dressing for creamy, flavorful results.
- Don’t skip shaved vegan Parmesan—it enhances depth and authentic flavor.
- For meal prep, keep salad components separate until ready to serve.
- Adjust seasoning on chickpeas after roasting if desired for extra flavor.
