Kale Pasta Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring crispy smoked chickpeas, vibrant kale, and a creamy vegan-friendly Caesar dressing. The dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it by adding grilled chicken, extra veggies, or your favorite toppings. The crispy chickpeas add a satisfying crunch, while the tahini-based dressing brings a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the hearty kale and pasta. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Smoked Chickpeas:

• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  
  

• 1/4 tsp sea salt
  
  

For the Caesar Dressing (Vegan-Friendly):

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 4 tbsp lemon juice
  
  

• 2 tbsp tahini
  
  

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 garlic clove
  
  

• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
  
  

• 1/4 tsp salt
  
  

• 1/4 tsp pepper
  
  

• 4 tbsp water
  
  

For the Salad:

• 8 oz pasta
  
  

• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 5 cups shredded kale (about 5 cups chopped)
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then place them on a baking pan between two paper towels. Roll the chickpeas to remove as much water as possible, then discard any skins that come off.
   
   

2. Drizzle the olive oil, smoked paprika, and sea salt over the chickpeas. Toss to coat evenly.
   
   

3. Bake the chickpeas for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
   
   

4. For the Caesar dressing, combine olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, Dijon mustard, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
   
   

5. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
   

6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded kale, Parmesan cheese, and crispy chickpeas.
   
   

7. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.
   
   

8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Value:

• Calories: 450 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 45g
  
  

• Protein: 12g
  
  

• Fat: 22g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 5mg
  
  

• Sodium: 500mg
  
  

• Potassium: 650mg
  
  

• Sugar: 6g
  
  

• Fiber: 8g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 1300 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 75mg
  
  

• Calcium: 130mg
  
  

• Iron: 3mg