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Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas, Avocado, and Vegan Parmesan Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

A vibrant and zesty Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad that combines crispy roasted chickpeas, creamy dairy-free Caesar dressing, fresh romaine, avocado, and fusilli pasta for a refreshing and flavorful vegan meal perfect for any occasion.

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 pepper
  • 2 teaspoons capers
  • 2 teaspoons caper brine
  • 1 lemon, juiced

For the Salad

  • 1 pound short pasta (fusilli recommended)
  • 2 heads romaine, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
  • 2 avocados, sliced

Instructions

  1. Roast the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the drained chickpeas with avocado or olive oil and Cajun seasoning on a baking sheet. Spread them out evenly and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through for even crispiness. Once roasted, remove and allow to cool.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chickpeas roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. Make the Caesar Dressing: Combine vegan mayo, garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, pepper, capers, caper brine, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, then set aside.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine, thinly sliced red onion, and vegan parmesan. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients well.
  5. Add Toppings and Serve: Top the dressed salad with the cooled crispy chickpeas and sliced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad.

Notes

  • Use caper brine to enhance the tanginess of the dressing without adding extra salt.
  • For extra crunch, reserve some chickpeas before roasting and add them fresh as a topping.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing to prevent wilting the romaine lettuce.
  • This salad is perfect for meal prep but add avocado fresh before serving to avoid browning.
  • You can substitute fusilli pasta with any other short pasta like rotini or penne.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/cajun-caesar-pasta-salad-with-crispy-chickpeas-avocado-and-vegan-parmesan-recipe/