If you love rich Caesar flavors, hearty pasta, and crave bold crunch in every bite, you have to try Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas. It’s a fresh twist on a classic, completely plant-based, and loaded with texture. Perfect for picnics, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving serious comfort food with a healthy(ish) spin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Caesar Flavor: Every bite brings you zesty, tangy, garlicky notes in an ultra-creamy vegan dressing that makes this salad totally crave-worthy.
- Serious Crunch Factor: The combo of oven-baked croutons and crispy chickpeas adds an irresistible texture that elevates this from just another pasta salad to a showstopper.
- Plant-Based Power: Hearty kale and protein-rich chickpeas make this dish wholesome, satisfying, and perfect for vegans and omnivores alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas actually improves as it sits, making it ideal for lunches or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list keeps things simple and fuss-free, using pantry staples and crisp veggies that make every forkful extra delicious. Each component—from the homemade dressing to those snappy chickpeas—brings its own burst of flavor, color, or texture to the dish.
- Ciabatta Bread: Choose rustic bread for homemade croutons—just a quick bake and they add that irresistible crunch.
- Canned Chickpeas: We roast these until crispy for a protein-packed “crouton” with a savory edge.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything get golden and flavorful, and also forms the creamy base for our dressings.
- Garlic Powder & Parsley: Essential for infusing both chickpeas and croutons with big flavor.
- Pepper & Salt: Sharpens the flavors and ties everything together—don’t be shy!
- Vegan Mayo: Gives that classic Caesar creaminess without any dairy, forming the backbone of our dressing.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic in the dressing adds a punchy, aromatic bite you’ll adore.
- Capers & Caper Brine: These provide that unmistakable briny Caesar tang—nothing else quite does the trick.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a gentle pungent kick to the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing with a zingy lift that cuts through the richness.
- Farfalle Pasta: Bow-tie pasta holds onto tons of dressing and looks extra-pretty, but you can use any short pasta here.
- Vegan Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and absolutely vital for a Caesar-inspired pasta salad.
- Kale: Chopped kale stays sturdy, vibrant, and ultra-satisfying—even after sitting in the dressing!
Variations
One of the best things about Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Have fun switching up the noodles, the greens, or even the mix-ins to match your mood, dietary needs, or what’s already in your kitchen.
- Swap the Greens: Don’t have kale? Try baby spinach, arugula, or even chopped romaine for a different texture and flavor.
- Protein Boost: Add marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh for extra plant-based protein, or toss in leftover grilled chicken if you’re not vegan.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread for croutons to easily make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Different Beans: Switch out the chickpeas for white beans or roasted edamame for a fun twist on the classic crispy topping.
How to Make Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas and Croutons
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cubed ciabatta bread on one side and the drained, rinsed chickpeas on the other. Toss each with olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, pepper, and a little salt—the bread gets one tablespoon oil, the chickpeas another. Spread them out well, then roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the croutons are golden and the chickpeas are crispy and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While things are getting perfectly toasty in the oven, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—you want it to hold up to all that delicious dressing. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Vegan Caesar Dressing
Add vegan mayo, fresh garlic, capers, caper brine, parsley, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to your food processor. Pulse until everything is creamy and gloriously emulsified. Taste and adjust the lemon, salt, or garlic to your liking—a little tang or zing can go a long way here!
Step 4: Toss and Assemble
In a big salad bowl, layer in the cooked pasta, chopped kale, crispy chickpeas, vegan parmesan, and those crunchy croutons. Pour over as much Caesar dressing as you like (I recommend starting with 2/3 and adding more to taste), then toss to ensure every bite gets a pop of flavor, texture, and color. Serve at room temperature or let it chill for even more flavor development.
Pro Tips for Making Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
- Kale Massage Magic: If your kale is especially tough, give it a quick massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt before tossing—this makes it extra tender and helps the dressing cling.
- Dressing It Right: Reserve a little bit of dressing to add just before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant, even if you’re making it ahead of time!
- Ultra-Crispy Chickpeas: Make sure your chickpeas are well-dried before roasting—spread them out and dab with a paper towel after rinsing so they really crisp up.
- Flavor Layering: Toss the croutons and chickpeas with plenty of seasoning before roasting—don’t skimp on the garlic powder or pepper for maximum Caesar punch.
How to Serve Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle the finished salad with more vegan parmesan, a few torn fresh basil or parsley leaves, and an extra squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of olive oil right before serving makes everything glisten and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit platters, grilled veggies, or a light soup. It’s also delicious alongside a big bowl of tomato gazpacho or some juicy, perfectly ripe summer tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in mason jars for a picnic-perfect, portable lunch, or pile it onto a big platter and top with extra crispy chickpeas for a potluck centerpiece. For dinner parties, serve in small bowls or fancy shells for a stunning, appetizer-style starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and if possible, keep the extra dressing, croutons, and chickpeas separate to add just before serving for maximum crunch.
Freezing
While this salad isn’t ideal for freezing—the creamy dressing and kale can lose their texture—you can freeze extra chickpeas and croutons separately for future salads or snacking. Just re-crisp them in the oven before using.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! However, if your croutons or chickpeas soften up in storage, a quick trip in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes will restore their crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Farfalle is great for holding dressing and toppings, but you can use penne, rotini, fusilli, or any short pasta shape—just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the salad.
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How do I make this gluten-free?
It’s easy to make Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas gluten-free—simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap in gluten-free bread for the croutons. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The salad actually tastes better after a little time in the fridge as the flavors meld. Just keep the dressing, croutons, and chickpeas separate until you’re ready to serve, so everything stays perfectly crisp.
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What’s the best way to crisp up chickpeas?
To get extra crispy chickpeas, dry them very well before tossing with oil and seasoning. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd—they’ll roast up golden, crunchy, and perfect for topping your salad!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a fresh main course, prepping lunch for the week, or looking to wow at your next potluck, Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas truly delivers. I hope you fall in love with the layers of flavor and texture—and that this zippy, hearty salad becomes a new staple at your table. Enjoy every zesty, crunchy bite!
Print
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas & Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Blending, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, this Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines the flavors of a traditional Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and the crunch of chickpeas and croutons.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKPEAS & CROUTONS
- 2 cups ciabatta bread, cubed
- 1 15–ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Salt, to taste
FOR THE VEGAN CAESAR DRESSING
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1–2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon capers
- 1–2 teaspoons caper brine
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, juiced
FOR THE PASTA SALAD
- 12 ounces farfalle, dry
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chickpeas & croutons: Toss ciabatta cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, parsley, pepper, and salt. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cook the pasta: Boil water and cook the farfalle according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients in a food processor until combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, kale, chickpeas, vegan parmesan, croutons, and dressing. Toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
