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.

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

Instructions

Making the Chickpea Croutons:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the contents of the Caesar salad kit (lettuce, parmesan cheese and dressing), cooked pasta, and shredded chicken.
3. If using, add cherry tomatoes and red onion for extra color and flavor.
4. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the Caesar dressing.

Serving:

1. Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
2. Top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpea croutons and parmesan cheese.

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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