Chickpea Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chickpea Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, protein-packed twist on the classic Caesar. Tender pasta, crispy Chickpeas, and crunchy greens are tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar-style dressing.Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or healthy comfort food.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Salad
1½ cups pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes
Caesar Dressing
½ cup Greek Yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1–2 tbsp grated parmesan
Salt and pepper
Optional Add-ins
grilled chicken
croutons
avocado
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions.
Drain and let cool.
2. Crisp Chickpeas
Pat chickpeas dry and sauté or roast for 8–10 minutes until slightly crispy.
3. Make Dressing
Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble Salad
In a large bowl combine:
pasta
chickpeas
lettuce
tomatoes
5. Toss & Serve
Add dressing and toss well.
Top with extra parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this high-protein?
Yes—thanks to chickpeas and yogurt dressing.
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt and vegan parmesan.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but keep dressing separate for best texture.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~360 kcal
Protein: ~14 g
Carbohydrates: ~42 g
Fiber: ~6 g
Fat: ~14 g
Sodium: ~350 mg