The Best Salad for this Summer
Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons
This summer I am bringing you a quick and easy recipe for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons. Using a Caesar salad kit, this recipe simplifies the process while still delivering delicious, homemade flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or as a fresh summer meal, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crispy chickpea croutons.
![Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons](https://thenicolerose.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3317_jpg-768x1024.jpeg)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 Caesar salad kit (remove the croutons)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or bow-tie)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Chickpea Croutons:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
![Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons](https://thenicolerose.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3320-768x1024.jpeg)
Instructions
Making the Chickpea Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Assembling the Salad:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the contents of the Caesar salad kit (lettuce, parmesan cheese and dressing), cooked pasta, and shredded chicken.
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and red onion for extra color and flavor.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated with the Caesar dressing.
Serving:
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpea croutons and parmesan cheese.
![Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons](https://thenicolerose.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3319-768x1024.jpeg)
Tips and Variations:
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado for extra color and nutrition.
- Breaded Chicken: For extra flavor, use grilled chicken breast instead of grilled or baked.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a vegan Caesar salad kit.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons is a delightful and effortless twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for those who want a quick yet flavorful meal this summer.
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