Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad featuring crispy roasted chickpeas, creamy vegan Caesar dressing, and fresh vegetables. This plant-based salad combines the zest of Cajun spices with classic Caesar flavors for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1 cup vegan mayo
- 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 2 teaspoons caper brine
- 1 lemon, juiced
For the Salad
- 1 pound short pasta (fusilli recommended)
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese
- 2 avocados, sliced
Instructions
- Roast Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the drained and rinsed chickpeas with avocado oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Spread them out and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping. Once roasted, remove and allow to cool.
- Cook Pasta: While the chickpeas are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Make Caesar Dressing: In a food processor, combine the vegan mayo, garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, capers, caper brine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and vegan parmesan cheese. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Top the tossed salad with the roasted Cajun chickpeas and sliced avocados. Serve immediately and enjoy the mix of textures and flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, roast the chickpeas until golden brown but be careful not to burn them.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
- The dressing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
- Avocado oil is used for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but olive oil works well too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
