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

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4 from 85 reviews

This zesty Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad combines creamy dairy-free Caesar dressing with crispy roasted chickpeas, fresh romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, and tender fusilli pasta for a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Chickpeas

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or substitute 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 black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons capers
  • 2 teaspoons caper brine
  • 1 lemon, juiced

For the Salad

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chickpeas.
  2. Roast Chickpeas: Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet, drizzle with avocado oil, and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Once done, remove from oven and allow chickpeas to cool.
  3. Cook Pasta: While the chickpeas roast, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
  4. Prepare Caesar Dressing: Add vegan mayo, garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, capers, caper brine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
  5. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and vegan parmesan. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve: Top the dressed salad with the crispy roasted chickpeas and sliced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy this zesty and creamy Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad.

Notes

  • Use avocado oil for roasting chickpeas for a mild flavor and high smoke point; olive oil is a good substitute.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
  • Rinsing pasta in cold water prevents it from overcooking and helps cool it down for salad.
  • The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

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