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by Reneon Apr 9, 2024
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5 from 2 ratings
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Zesty & delicious, this Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad is made with dairy-free caesar dressing, crispy chickpeas, romaine, avocado & fusilli pasta!
When the sun comes out, pasta salad is my go-to. Very little cooking required, makes a ton of food, and can be kept in the fridge for snacking. Today we’re making this Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad and it is delish! Crunchy romaine is tossed with chilled pasta, red onion, vegan parmesan and a vegan cajun caesar dressing. Then the whole thing is topped with crispy chickpeas and avocado slices. This pasta salad has the perfect amount of tang and zest. You’re going to love it!
Step One: Make the Cajun Chickpeas
While I LOVE a crouton in a caesar salad, I decided to swap the croutons for crispy chickpeas. They add some crunch, and they sneak in some protein and fiber.
To make them, add a drained can of chickpeas to a baking sheet and toss them in oil & cajun seasoning. Place them in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Step Two: Make the Caesar Dressing
I took my classic vegan caesar dressing and added in some cajun seasoning to give it some zip.
Here is what you need for the dressing:
- vegan mayo
- garlic
- dijon mustard
- dried parsley
- cajun seasoning
- pepper
- capers
- caper brine
- lemonjuice
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed and set aside.
TIP: I know a lot of people don’t like capers. But trust me, you will never know they are in there! Just add them!
Step Three: Assemble & Serve
When everything is prepped it is time to assemble. I recommend waiting to assemble until you are ready to serve. This will keep the romaine from wilting too much!
To assemble, add chilled pasta, chopped romaine, sliced red onion and vegan parmesan to a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Top with the chickpeas & avocado, serve and enjoy.
I like this salad at room temperature, but you could also chill it. Again, just wait to add the romaine and avocado until right before serving!
Need more recipe inspo? Check these out:
- Cajun Tofu Wraps
- Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet
- Creamy Cajun Tofu Skillet
- Coconut Cajun Tofu Bowls
- Creamy Vegan Cajun Stuffed Shells
Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins
Zesty & delicious, this Cajun Caesar Pasta Salad is made with dairy-free caesar dressing, crispy chickpeas, romaine, avocado & fusilli pasta!
5 from 2 ratings
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Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKPEAS
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas drained & rinsed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or sub 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
Equipment
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Add the chickpeas, oil & cajun seasoning to a baking sheet and toss to coat. Place in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
While the chickpeas are roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Set aside.
To assemble, add the pasta, romaine, red onion and vegan parmesan to a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Top with the chickpeas & avocado, serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- This is best served right away so the lettuce doesn’t wilt. If making ahead of time, wait to add the romaine and avocado until right before serving.
Calories: 564kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 28g
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below or take a photo and share it on Instagram @thissavoryvegan with #thissavoryvegan.
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published on Apr 9, 2024
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