Description
This vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is savoury, tangy and garlicky, with crunchy baked chickpeas, crisp romaine and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- For the Baked Chickpeas (Crouton Substitute):
- 1 ½ cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup water
- For the Salad:
- 8 ounces spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 ½ cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup cooked vegan bacon, chopped or crumbled
- ¼ cup vegan Parmesan shavings
- 1 cup baked chickpeas
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chickpeas very dry and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy. Let cool.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water to cool, then set aside.
6. In a blender, combine oil, tahini, garlic, capers, nutritional yeast, mustard, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Blend and gradually add water until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. In a large bowl, combine pasta, romaine lettuce, and vegan bacon.
9. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
10. Top with vegan Parmesan and baked chickpeas just before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Romaine may wilt during storage; refresh by adding fresh chopped lettuce before serving.
Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor or more garlic for a stronger kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 588
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1164mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 1mg