Chickpea Kale Caesar Protein Pasta Salad
A creamy, high-protein, meal-prep-friendly salad that’s perfect for a refreshing dinner, packed lunch, or a post-workout pick-me-up!
Ingredients
1 box protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or Kaizen recommended)
1 bunch kale, chopped
1 can chickpeas, roasted (see below for method)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Homemade Caesar dressing (see below for method)
Roasted Chickpeas:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
Caesar Tahini Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tbsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
Cook protein pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Massage chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil until soft and tender (about 2–3 minutes).
In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar tahini dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, kale, roasted chickpeas, and parmesan cheese.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
Serve immediately or store in the fridge
Meal Prep Tip:
This salad is perfect for meal prepping. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and can be made in advance for a quick grab-and-go lunch or an easy weeknight dinner. Store in airtight containers and enjoy cold or at room temperature. To keep the chickpeas extra crunchy, store them separately and add just before eating!
Why You’ll Love It:
This Chickpea Kale Caesar Protein Pasta Salad is a powerhouse combo of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Roasted chickpeas provide a crunchy, savory topping full of plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full and energized. Kale adds a hefty dose of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants to support overall health.
The creamy Caesar-style tahini dressing brings in healthy fats from olive oil and tahini while staying dairy-free and flavorful. Plus, using a protein-packed pasta like chickpea, lentil, or Kaizen keeps this dish high in protein and gluten-free, if needed.
With satisfying textures, bold flavors, and balanced nutrients, this pasta salad is a refreshing twist on a classic Caesar. Whether you're looking to fuel a busy day, support recovery after a workout, or simply enjoy a nourishing, delicious meal.
