How to Make the Perfect Chickpea Caesar Salad with Crispy Capers
American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
This plant-based twist on the classic Caesar features roasted chickpeas in place of croutons and crispy fried capers for a briny salty crunch. The creamy tahini-based dressing ties everything together beautifully without using any dairy or eggs.
Why this recipe works
This Chickpea Caesar Salad with Crispy Capers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 13g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Pat the chickpeas very dry and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the pan once halfway through.
Step 2: Fry the Capers
While the chickpeas roast, heat a small pan over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil. Add the drained capers and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they burst open and become crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing
Whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water and whisk until the dressing reaches a pourable and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top and toss to coat every leaf thoroughly. Top with the roasted chickpeas and crispy capers. Serve immediately so the lettuce stays crisp and fresh.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- tahini → cashew butter blended with water makes a neutral and creamy alternative dressing base
- capers → finely chopped green olives provide a similar briny and salty flavor as a topping
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Dressing the salad too far ahead of serving which wilts the romaine and makes the entire salad soggy
- Making the tahini dressing too thick by not adding enough water so it clumps on the leaves instead of coating them evenly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 13g protein, 28g carbs, 17g fat, 8g fiber.
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