Crunchy, Creamy Kale Caesar salad Recipe

Introducing our Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas — a contemporary twist on the classic Caesar, featuring an effortlessly blended dressing bursting with bold flavors! Say goodbye to croutons; our insanely good crispy chickpeas take the spotlight!

In my world, any day is the perfect day for a salad (I might have a salad addiction!). As the temperatures rise, my cravings shift to light, crisp, and intensely flavorful salads like our Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas (or perhaps our Strawberry Avocado and Feta salad or Italian Salad). The medley of flavors practically sings the anthem of summer fun – think BBQs, pool parties, picnics, family get-togethers, and more.

Kale Caesar Salad stands as a robust, crowd-pleasing recipe that never fails to delight! Every time I whip up this salad, my family becomes instant fans. They seem to adore any salad I make, whether it’s the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Chickpea Chicken Salad.

The beauty of any salad lies in its ability to pack an abundance of veggies and protein into a single, satisfying bowl. What sets a Caesar salad apart is its perfect marriage of creamy and crunchy textures. Our Caesar salad takes it up a notch with crispy roasted chickpeas and roasted sweet potatoes, introducing a delightful crunch and flavor.

Why You’ll Adore This Salad Recipe:

• Filling, hearty, and nutritious.
• A crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining.
• Simple make-ahead meal, ideal for meal prep – you might find yourself craving it daily.
• Crisp kale and romaine create the ideal green bed for this salad.
• Vegetarian and loaded with plant-based protein.

What Exactly is Caesar Salad?

Traditionally, a Caesar salad features greens, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Our chickpea Caesar salad gives it a wholesome twist with robust kale, substituting croutons with crispy chickpeas, all embraced by a low-calorie Caesar Salad Dressing. Get ready to experience Caesar salad like never before!

Ingredients for Irresistible Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad

Embark on a culinary adventure with these exquisite ingredients:

• Kale and romaine lettuce – a dynamic duo, though an all-kale variation works wonders too.
• Sweet potatoes – perfectly roasted to impart delightful flavor.
• Crispy chickpeas – elevate your salad with a homemade version that surpasses store-bought alternatives.
• Avocado
• Walnuts – for a nutty crunch; experiment with almonds, cashews, or pistachios for a twist.
• Red onion
• Caesar dressing – opt for homemade or a high-quality store-bought variant.

Crafting the Kale Caesar Salad Masterpiece

Unlock the secrets to a sensational Kale Caesar Salad:

1. Roast the Chickpeas:
   • Place chickpeas onto a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season with a flavorful mix.
   • Toss chickpeas to coat and bake for an additional 20 minutes until crispy.
2. Prepare the Salad:
   • Slice kale and romaine, and place them in a salad bowl or platter.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and massage lightly.
   • Integrate the remaining ingredients along with the chickpeas.
3. Whip up the Healthy Caesar Dressing:
   • Blend all dressing ingredients until creamy.
4. Assemble and Dress the Salad:
   • Drizzle dressing over the salad, tossing to evenly coat the ingredients. Adjust dressing quantity as needed.

Yield: 6

Kale Caesar with Roasted Chickpeas

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Indulge in the Culinary Symphony of our Hearty Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad — a complete and wholesome meal in itself. Luxurious dark leafy kale and romaine lettuce harmonize with delectably roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy chickpeas, chopped walnuts, and red onion, all crowned with an exquisite creamy tahini dressing. This culinary delight is not only vegetarian and easily vegan but also gluten-free, making it the quintessential recipe for hassle-free and delicious meal prep!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas:

• 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, meticulously drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to perfect the seasoning

Creating the Kale Salad:

• 4 cups of delicately sliced curly kale
• 2 cups of thinly sliced romaine lettuce
• A generous ½ cup of diced avocado (equivalent to 1–2 avocados, depending on their size)
• ¼ cup of finely diced red onion
• ¼ cup of meticulously chopped walnuts
• Optionally, indulge in the richness of shredded Parmesan cheese when serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and generously coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, blend chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread chickpeas on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over them.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Once done, allow the chickpeas to cool for 5 minutes.

NOW, LET'S CREATE THE SALAD

1. While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the remaining components of the salad. Toss shredded kale and romaine in a salad bowl or large-rimmed dish, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and massage for one minute.
2. Combine diced avocado, red onion, and chopped walnuts with the kale and romaine in the bowl.
3. For the dressing, blend all dressing ingredients in a blender for 30-45 seconds until they form a creamy emulsion.
4. Integrate the roasted chickpeas into the salad. Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are coated.
5. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
6. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature and relish the flavors!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 179mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 6g