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Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

The Ultimate Guide to Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

At its core, this dish is a modern reimagining of the traditional Caesar salad. While a standard Caesar relies on romaine lettuce, which can often feel a bit flimsy, this version uses raw, finely chopped broccoli as the base. This change alone adds a massive amount of fiber and micronutrients to your plate. To make it a complete meal, we add Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas elements that provide plant-based protein and healthy fats.


Ingredients

Scale

Crispy Chickpeas

  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and very dry

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Salt, to taste


Salad

  • 3–4 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

  • 1 cup shredded kale or romaine (optional but great)

  • ¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan

  • ¼ cup croutons (optional)


Caesar Dressing (No Raw Egg)

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayo

  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • Water or olive oil, to thin (as needed)


Instructions

1. Make the Crispy Chickpeas

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, spices, and salt.

  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crunchy.


2. Prep the Broccoli

  • Finely chop broccoli into small, bite-size pieces.

  • Massage lightly with a pinch of salt to soften (optional but recommended).


3. Make the Dressing

  • Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.

  • Thin to desired consistency.


4. Assemble the Salad

  • Toss broccoli (and greens, if using) with Caesar dressing.

  • Top with crispy chickpeas, Parmesan, and croutons.

  • Finish with black pepper and extra lemon if needed.

Notes

This Broccoli Caesar Salad is all about texture—crunchy chickpeas, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together. It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own but also works beautifully as a side. Feel free to adjust the garlic and lemon to taste and make it your own. 🥦✨

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1½ cups
  • Calories: ~360 kcal

Keywords: Healthy Broccoli Caesar, Roasted Chickpea Salad, Cruciferous Caesar Recipe, Crunchy Broccoli Salad, Plant Based Caesar Salad