Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad (High Protein)
This vegan Caesar pasta salad is nothing short of spring flavors on a plate. It blends protein-packed chickpeas and nutrient-rich veggies, all tossed in a creamy and zesty tahini Caesar dressing. Crispy chickpeas add a crunchy texture, while the rich, creamy dressing brings a salty and tangy taste to this vegan Caesar pasta salad. This pasta salad is 100% dairy free, gluten free and meal prep friendly. Perfect for a summer BBQ party or a simple protein-packed lunch!
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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Protein-Packed: With the clever inclusion of chickpea pasta and protein-packed chickpeas instead of croutons, this Caesar pasta salad recipe is a protein powerhouse. You’ll be amazed at how it’s light on your appetite yet super filling, keeping you energized for hours without compromising your health goals.
Nutrient Rich: Featuring two often overlooked superfoods, kale and broccoli, this vegan caesar pasta salad bursts with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Trust me, you won’t find a tastier or more satisfying way to sneak in your daily veggie fix!
Easy to Make: This healthy yet incredibly delicious salad is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes. Toss the chickpeas into the fryer, cook the pasta, and prepare the veggies and dressing while the chickpeas are baking. The oil-free dressing will come together in less than 3 minutes. The ingredients are readily available, and this salad can be customized with whatever you have in your pantry.
Meal Prep Friendly: This vegan caesar pasta salad is great for meal prep since it doesn’t have lettuce, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks. Kale is a sturdy leafy green that holds up well with dressing, making it the ideal ingredient for this Caesar pasta salad. Unlike lettuce, kale doesn’t wilt quickly and won’t get soggy over time, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
How to Make Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Make Crispy Chickpeas
Start by making your crispy chickpeas. Strain and rinse them, then add them to your air fryer. Spray with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and air fry at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
Cook Chickpea Pasta
Cook your chickpea pasta according to the package directions. Strain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare Veggies
While the pasta and chickpeas cook, chop up your broccoli and kale. Add your kale to your large bowl with ½ tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt, and massage with your hands for a few minutes. This will make the kale less tough.
Prepare Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
Make your dressing by mixing all of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Assemble your salad with your kale, chopped broccoli, chilled chickpea pasta, and crispy chickpeas, and drizzle over your tahini Caesar dressing.
Recipe Tips For Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Up the Protein: Add tempeh bacon for added protein, vegan chicken, or seitan.
Swap tahini: Use cashews or hemp seeds instead of tahini if you don’t have any on hand.
Add your favourite seasonings to the chickpeas to add a flavorful twist to the recipe. You can season chickpeas with garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Customize the pasta salad by adding veggies of your choice. Add romaine lettuce for a crunchy texture, cherry tomatoes, and avocado if you plan to eat it fresh.
Add nutritional yeast to the dressing for the cheesy flavour. Or top your pasta salad with vegan parmesan cheese.
Experiment with a dressing of your choice. Add creamy ranch dressing for a flavour packed healthy meal.
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Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 227 g uncooked chickpea pasta
- 1 bunch black kale or curly
- ½ tsp olive oil
- 1 head broccoli
For the Crispy Chickpeas
- 1 can chickpeas 1.5 cups
- Spray of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tahini Caesar Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tsp chopped capers
- 2 tsp caper brine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tbsp water to thin
Instructions
- Start by making your crispy chickpeas. Strain and rinse them, then add them to your air fryer. Spray with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and air fry at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- Cook your chickpea pasta according to the package directions. Strain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- While the pasta and chickpeas cook, chop up your broccoli and kale.
- Add your kale to your large bowl with ½ tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt, and massage with your hands for a few minutes. This will make the kale less tough.
- Make your dressing by mixing all of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble your salad with kale, chopped broccoli, chilled chickpea pasta, and crispy chickpeas, and drizzle over your tahini Caesar dressing.