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Grilled Romaine Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas – The Ultimate Smoky, Crunchy Salad Experience

Grilled Romaine Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas

This Grilled Romaine Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas brings back memories of backyard barbecues with a twist! The smokiness from the grill, crunch of the chickpeas, and creamy homemade Caesar dressing make this a must-try. It’s a refreshing yet hearty salad that always gets people talking. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed what a little grilling can do!

Ingredients

  • 2 hearts of romaine, halved lengthwise

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for chickpeas)

  • ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for brushing romaine

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 tsp anchovy paste for traditional flavor

Instructions

  • Roast Chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 30–35 minutes until crispy.

  • Grill Romaine: Brush romaine halves with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 2–3 minutes until lightly charred.

  • Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.

  • Assemble: Place grilled romaine on plates, drizzle with dressing, and top with crispy chickpeas.

  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper. Serve warm or room temp.

Notes

  • Air-fry chickpeas for a quicker crunch!

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main meal.

  • Skip anchovy for a vegetarian version—still delicious!

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