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!
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
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
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.
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!