Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Toasted Breadcrumbs
This delightful salad combines roasted chickpeas with vibrant broccoli, tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing and topped with toasted breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 small heads small heads of broccoli (about 4 cups chopped florets)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing (of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare two baking sheets.
- Roughly chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. If desired, chop parts of the stem as well, avoiding the rough bottom.
- Place the chopped broccoli onto one of the baking sheets. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel, removing the outer layer of skin that may come off while drying.
- Transfer the chickpeas to the second baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Roasting
- Place both baking sheets into the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes. Toss the broccoli and chickpeas halfway through the cooking time.
- The broccoli should be tender and lightly charred, while the chickpeas should turn darker brown and crispy.
Toasting Breadcrumbs
- While the veggies are roasting, prepare the toasted breadcrumbs. In a large pan over medium heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until they become fragrant and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combining
- Once the broccoli and chickpeas are out of the oven, combine the broccoli and half of the roasted chickpeas in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and stir to combine, then add the toasted breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together well.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For presentation, serve it in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.