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Tahini Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Tahini Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
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Tahini Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is a fresh, vibrant, and plant-based twist on the classic Caesar salad. Featuring a creamy tahini dressing, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and crisp romaine lettuce, this salad offers a perfect balance of nutty, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or snack, it’s easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and fresh produce, making it a wholesome, vegan-friendly meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • Romaine lettuce, fresh and crisp (about 4 cups, chopped)

Crispy Chickpeas

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and thoroughly dried
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional seasoning: smoked paprika or chili powder (1 teaspoon)

Tahini Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water, as needed to thin (about 2-4 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Roast the Chickpeas: Rinse and dry canned chickpeas thoroughly. Toss them with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your choice of seasoning if desired. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden and crispy.
  2. Prepare the Tahini Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a savory, cheesy flavor.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat every leaf evenly.
  4. Add Crispy Chickpeas and Serve: Sprinkle the roasted chickpeas generously over the dressed salad. Give a final gentle toss and serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch and freshness.

Notes

  • Pat chickpeas dry thoroughly before roasting to ensure crispiness.
  • Add water gradually to the tahini dressing to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and fresh flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; roast chickpeas in a single layer for even crisping.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to retain chickpea crunchiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tahini caesar salad, crispy chickpeas, vegan salad, plant-based, gluten free, roasted chickpeas, tahini dressing, healthy salad

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/tahini-caesar-salad-with-crispy-chickpeas/