Name: Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons (guest post)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 large bunch kale (tough stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces); 1.5 cans chickpeas (drained and patted dry); 0.25 cup diced red onion (for a touch of sweetness and crunch); 2 tsp garlic powder (to season the chickpeas); 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for roasting the chickpeas); 1 pinch fine sea salt (enhances flavor); to taste fresh black pepper (for seasoning); 0.25 cup tahini (the base for the creamy dressing); 0.25 cup water (to thin the dressing as needed); 1 clove garlic (minced for a fresh garlic flavor); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness to the dressing); 2.5 Tbsp nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor); 2 tsp Dijon-style mustard (to add depth to the dressing); 0.125 tsp ground cayenne pepper (a pinch more if you like more heat); 1 pinch fine sea salt (for seasoning the dressing)

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Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, incorporating nutrient-dense kale and a protein-packed chickpea topping that will make your taste buds dance. If you’re looking for a salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and nutrition, this is it! The garlicky chickpea croutons add a satisfying crunch, while the creamy tahini dressing brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this salad is sure to impress!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons is a game-changer for those who love fresh, vibrant flavors. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and minerals from kale and chickpeas.
Vegan-Friendly: A plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Quick to Prepare: Whip it up in just 30 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste.
Flavorful Dressing: The tahini-based dressing is creamy and rich without any dairy.

What’s in the Bowl

To create this delicious Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons, gather the following ingredients:

1 large bunch of kale: Tough stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
1 ½ cans chickpeas: Drained and patted dry.
¼ cup diced red onion: For a touch of sweetness and crunch.
2 tsp garlic powder: To season the chickpeas.
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For roasting the chickpeas.
Pinch of fine sea salt: Enhances flavor.
Fresh black pepper to taste: For seasoning.
¼ cup tahini: The base for the creamy dressing.
¼ cup water: To thin the dressing as needed.
1 clove garlic, minced: For a fresh garlic flavor.
1 Tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness to the dressing.
2 ½ Tbsp nutritional yeast: For a cheesy flavor.
2 tsp Dijon-style mustard: To add depth to the dressing.
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper: A pinch more if you like more heat!
Pinch of fine sea salt: For seasoning the dressing.

Essential Tools for Success

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following essential tools:

Large mixing bowl: For tossing the salad ingredients together.
Baking sheet: To roast the chickpeas.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Whisk or fork: To blend the tahini dressing smoothly.
Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables.

Method: Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons (guest post)

Follow these simple steps to create your Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpea Croutons

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas, garlic powder, olive oil, a pinch of fine sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chickpeas evenly in the spices and oil.

Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas

Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Dressing

While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, minced garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed until you achieve a smooth and pourable dressing.

Step 4: Prepare the Kale

In a large mixing bowl, add the torn kale pieces and diced red onion. Massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly and becomes vibrant in color. This helps to break down the tough fibers in the kale, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Once the chickpeas are crispy and the dressing is ready, add the roasted chickpeas to the bowl of kale and onions. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve your Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons immediately, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of cayenne if desired. Enjoy!

Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to customize your Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons, consider these alternatives:

Greens: Swap kale for spinach or romaine lettuce for a different texture.
Chickpeas: Use roasted quinoa or crispy tofu for a different protein source.
Tahini: Substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you have a sesame allergy.
Nutritional Yeast: Omit if you’re not a fan; the salad will still be delicious.

Problems & Prevention

Here are a few common issues and how to prevent them when making your Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons:

Chickpeas not crispy: Ensure they are completely dry before roasting and give them enough space on the baking sheet.
Salad too salty: Start with smaller amounts of salt in the dressing and add more to taste as needed.
Kale too tough: Massaging the kale is key! Don’t skip this step to enhance the texture.
Dressing too thick: Thin it out with more water until you reach your desired consistency.

Prep Ahead & Store

This Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons can be prepped ahead of time for a quick meal. Here’s how to do it:

Chickpeas: Roast them ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Dressing: Make the tahini dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Kale: Wash and tear the kale, storing it in a sealed bag in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Assemble just before serving: Combine the ingredients right before eating to maintain the chickpeas’ crunch and the kale’s freshness.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe! Just be sure to drain and pat them dry for the best results.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add additional protein sources like grilled chicken, quinoa, or avocado to make the salad more filling and satisfying.

Is there a nut-free alternative to tahini?

Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter or omit the dressing entirely and try a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing instead.

Can I make this salad in advance?

While the chickpeas can be roasted in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to ensure freshness and crunch.

More from the Kitchen

If you enjoyed this Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons, check out these delicious recipes:

Ready to Cook?

This Kale Caesar Salad with Garlicy Chickpea Croutons is not just a salad; it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, every bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring this delicious salad to life! Enjoy every crunchy, creamy, and flavorful moment!