This Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado is the perfect upgrade to the classic steakhouse Caesar salad. Spicy roasted chickpeas replace croutons, offering a flavorful crunch and a hit of cayenne spice, perfectly jammy eggs and fresh avocado balance the heat, and Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing adds a touch of umami, citrus, and creaminess to round everything out. It's safe to say that this Caesar Salad will beat anything you find on a restaurant menu.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for a Flavorful Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
- Spicy and Crunchy Chickpeas: The Perfect Alternative to Stale Croutons
- Achieving Perfectly Jammy Eggs for Your Caesar Salad
- Crafting the Perfect Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing
- Serving Suggestions for Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
- Essential Tools for Making Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
- More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
- Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
Ingredients for a Flavorful Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
To create this delicious and healthy Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado, you'll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here's what you'll need to gather:
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and vibrant, Romaine lettuce forms the base of this salad, providing a refreshing crunch.
- Avocados: Creamy and luscious, avocados add a delightful richness to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
- Lemons: Tangy and citrusy, lemons are essential for the zesty dressing that brings this salad to life. I like to serve additional wedges of lemon on the side for squeezing over the salad as desired.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt serves as the foundation for the Caesar dressing, lending a tangy and creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano is a staple in my kitchen and adds a wonderful salty flavor to the Caesar dressing and to toss into the salad. I am also partial to this shaved Parmesan and Asiago cheese blend as an alternative for tossing into the salad.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Roasted to perfection with a medley of spices, chickpeas provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of heat to the salad.
- Anchovies: These little umami powerhouses infuse the dressing with a deep and savory flavor, elevating the overall taste.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and complexity to the dressing, taking it to the next level.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce contributes to the umami depth of the dressing, enhancing its savory profile.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil to create a silky and smooth texture in the dressing. Alternatively, you can use garlic-infused oil in place of the traditional olive oil and garlic powder if needed.
- Garlic Powder: For convenience, garlic powder adds a hint of garlic flavor to the dressing. Alternatively, you can use fresh garlic cloves.
- Paprika: Adding warmth and a touch of smokiness, paprika enhances the flavor profile of the roasted chickpeas.
- Cayenne Powder: For a kick of heat, cayenne powder provides a fiery element to the roasted chickpeas.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt brings out the flavors of all the ingredients. Diamond Crystal Kosher salt is a staple in my pantry.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Sprinkled generously, cracked black pepper adds a subtle hint of spiciness to the salad.
Spicy and Crunchy Chickpeas: The Perfect Alternative to Stale Croutons
Revamp your salad experience by ditching the uninspiring store-bought croutons with their vague powdered seasonings in favor of crispy roasted chickpeas with a hit of fiery spice. After coating in olive oil, the chickpeas are generously seasoned with the vibrant flavors of garlic, paprika, cayenne, and sea salt, creating a bold and spicy sensation that perfectly complements Caesar salads.
Prepare for a delightful burst of flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the richness of jammy 6-minute eggs, cool and creamy avocados, and bright and creamy Greek Yogurt Ceasar salad dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Irresistible Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
To add a delightful crunch and kick of flavor to your Caesar salad, follow these simple steps to prepare spicy roasted chickpeas:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit / 232 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Drain as much of the water as possible, then transfer them to the baking sheet.
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture and help them crisp.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and cayenne until they are evenly coated, then spread them out in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time, until they are crisp and golden.
- Once roasted, let the chickpeas cool slightly before adding them to your Caesar salad.
Adjust the Heat Level to Suit Your Taste!
Worried about spice? Don't fret! You have complete control over the heat level in this recipe. By fine-tuning the amount of cayenne used, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild hint of heat or crave a fiery kick, this customization allows you to tailor the spicy roasted chickpeas to your liking.
Achieving Perfectly Jammy Eggs for Your Caesar Salad
This Caesar salad is elevated with perfectly jammy eggs, sometimes called 6-minute eggs, which add richness and protein to the dish. Perfectly cooked jammy eggs have fully cooked whites with golden yolks that are lusciously soft and just slightly runny.
How to Make Perfectly Jammy 6-Minute Eggs
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Using a ladle or slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs one at a time into the boiling water.
- Set a timer for 6 ½ minutes and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
- Once the timer goes off, promptly transfer the eggs to an ice bath to chill for 2 minutes. The ice bath helps halt the cooking process and achieve the desired jammy consistency.
- After chilling, crack the eggs gently, roll them on a flat surface to loosen the shell, and then peel the shells off. I like to slice each egg in half before serving on the Caesar salad.
If You Prefer Fully Cooked Yolks: Traditional Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you prefer your yolk fully cooked, fear not! This salad also works wonderfully with wedges of traditional hard-boiled eggs, offering a slightly different yet equally delicious variation.
Crafting the Perfect Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing
Homemade dressings should be simple and easy to make, and better than anything you can find bottled on a store shelf. This homemade Caesar salad dressing whips up in about 5 minutes and is the key to transforming your salad greens into a flavorful base for this healthy Caesar salad recipe.
This flavorful Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing combines tangy Greek yogurt, zesty garlic, fresh lemon juice, salty Parmesan cheese, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, umami-rich anchovies, Dijon mustard for added depth, and a sprinkling of cracked black pepper for a hint of spice. This homemade creamy Greek yogurt dressing is the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, and bold flavors that helps make this a truly spectacular Caesar Salad. Check out my full post for this Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing!
Serving Suggestions for Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
This Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you're looking to enhance the protein content, it pairs exceptionally well with a variety of grilled options. Consider adding grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or even shrimp to make this salad extra hearty and filling. With these protein-packed additions, this customizable Caesar salad can easily transition from a delightful lunch option to a satisfying dinner main.
Essential Tools for Making Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
- A wide mouth jar
- An immersion blender (stick blender) (or a food processor or high-powered blender)
- Kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
- Measuring spoons
- A colander
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Paper towels
- A cutting board
- A chef's knife
- A citrus juicer
- A cheese grater / shaver
- A medium pot or saucepan with a lid
- A large heat-proof bowl
- A salad bowl
- A set of salad servers or two wooden spoons
Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry?
Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
Love this tasty Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado recipe? Check out these flavorful salad recipes that will satisfy your cravings for fresh and healthy meals:
- Wedge Salad with Horseradish Blue Cheese
- BBQ Pulled Pork Salad with Peaches
- BBQ Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Jalapeno Ranch
- Burger Salad with Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs and Special Sauce
- Tuna Nicoise Salad (Salade Nicoise)
- Radicchio Salad with Green Olives, Blue Cheese, and Candies Walnuts
- Shaved Fennel, White Bean, and Arugula Salad with Tuna
Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads & Dressings
- Method: Oven / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian/Mexican
Description
This Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado is the perfect upgrade to the classic steakhouse Caesar salad. Spicy roasted chickpeas replace croutons, offering a flavorful crunch and a hit of cayenne spice, perfectly jammy eggs and fresh avocado balance the heat, and Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing adds a touch of umami, citrus, and creaminess to round everything out. It's safe to say that this Caesar Salad will beat anything you find on a restaurant menu.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Greek yogurt Caesar dressing:
- 113 g (½ cup) full-fat Greek Yogurt
- 1 oz (½ cup) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (may sub garlic for 2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- 5 anchovies packed in oil and salt (or 2 tsp anchovy paste)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (or 2 tsp coconut aminos)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredients for spicy roasted chickpeas:
- 1 (15.5 oz) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (may sub garlic for 1 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
Ingredients for jammy, 6-minute eggs
- 6 large eggs
- A prepared ice bath
Ingredients for the rest of the Caesar salad:
- 18 oz Romaine lettuce (3 hearts or 6 cups), chopped
- 2 large (or 3 small) avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 oz (½ cup) parmesan cheese, shaved, plus more to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Wedges of lemon (optional)
Instructions
For the Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing:
- In a wide-mouth jar, add the ingredients for the dressing.
- Using an immersion (stick) blender, pulse until fully combined and smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the dressing in a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, or for up to 3 days.
For the Spicy Roasted Chickpeas:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit / 232 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Drain as much of the water as possible, then transfer them to the baking sheet.
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture and help them crisp.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and cayenne until they are evenly coated, then spread them out in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time, until they are crisp and golden.
- Once roasted, let the chickpeas cool slightly before adding them to your Caesar salad.
For the Jammy Eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Using a ladle or slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs one at a time into the boiling water.
- Set a timer for 6 ½ minutes and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
- Once the timer goes off, promptly transfer the eggs to an ice bath to chill for 2 minutes. The ice bath helps halt the cooking process and achieve the desired jammy consistency.
- After chilling, crack the eggs gently, roll them on a flat surface to loosen the shell, and then peel the shells off. I like to slice each egg in half before serving on the Caesar salad.
To assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the Romaine lettuce with a small amount of the Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing until well coated -- I estimate about 1 tablespoon of dressing per cup of lettuce.
- Add the shaved Parmigiano reggiano cheese and a few grinds of cracked black pepper and lightly toss again.
- Plate the Caesar salad into bowls and top with spicy roasted chickpeas, jammy eggs, and sliced avocado.
- Optional: Add extra cheese and an additional drizzle of dressing on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze as desired.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
This recipe makes 6 side dish portions on its own, or 4 hearty main course dinner portions when paired with grilled proteins such as chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp.
Nutrition was calculated with the expectation that approximately 6 tablespoons of the Greek yogurt Caesar dressing would be used in the salad. If you add additional dressing, cheese, or other ingredients the nutrition approximation will change. You will likely end up with leftover Caesar dressing, which can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of salad
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 851 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I totally agree. I have some go-to restaurants for salads, but the rest it is better to steer clear. I would order yours for those eggs alone!! This looks amazing!!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Those eggs are incredible! I think this sounds so good and perfect for a summer meal. I can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Sarah says
I love that you've added some fun twists to the traditional Caesar salad! The soft boiled egg takes this over the top, and it's such a great idea to use crunchy chickpeas instead of croutons. This salad looks perfect!
Kelly Anthony says
I love your idea of roasted chickpeas instead of croutons that come out of a bag. Such a great twist on a classic caesar salad.
Marisa F. Stewart says
What a gorgeous take on Caesar Salad. This will make the perfect dining al fresco meal. In the summer we like to eat light and the all around salad certainly satisfies. I never thought of subbing roasted chickpeas for the croutons -- excellent recipe with the jammy eggs. Can't wait for our evening eating al fresco.
Stine Mari says
I love all the different textures in this salad. The creamy sauce and eggs, next to the crispy chickpeas. This is the perfect summer salad!
Daniela says
I LOVE roasted chickpeas AND Caesar salads, so I'm definitely making this recipe soon. I think the roasted chickpeas are a great, healthy alternative to traditional croutons, and I really like the spice combination that you used. Pinned for later!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
Michelle says
This is such a gorgeous salad! I'm so with you on those chickpeas, so much better than croutons. Love everything about this salad, pinned!
Sandra Shaffer says
Definitely an upgrade from the classic Caesar salad. This version is super filling with the avocado and eggs. Those spicy roasted chickpeas are amazing. Making extra to snack on next time!
Heather says
I agree with you - sometimes a Caesar salad out can be lackluster. Sometimes too dry as well or then way overdressed! But I've been trying to watch the good old carbs but I have a hard time say goodbye to my croutons. I can't wait to try with the roasted chickpeas and get that crunch I crave! Thanks 🙂
Jacquelyn Hastert says
This salad is perfect for work lunches with all the fresh ingredients and the crunch from the chickpeas!
Leslie Sawmiller says
This Caesar salad is my favorite! It's full of flavor, nutritious, and delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Veena Azmanov says
Amazing combination to making this yummy Bowl. I love it.
Amanda says
Jammy eggs and avocado in one salad? It's like you made my perfect meal! I love everything about this salad and plan to make it again and again.
Gloria says
Love this take on Ceasar salad. We always have chickpeas in the house. That (almost runny) egg is perfection. Loving the spice from the pepper and paprika. Sounds like a great dinner salad for a warm summer day.
Traci says
So devourable! Using Greek yogurt in any dressing is probably my favorite ingredient substitution of all time, so that's a total win for this recipe. And those roasted chickpeas send the flavor and texture off the hook. Thanks for sharing another great recipe!
Kankana Saxena says
You definitely took caesar salad to a whole new level with the roasted chickpeas.
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
What a great combo of flavors and textures in this salad. Love all of it!
Katie Carrick says
This is DEFINITELY an Upgrade. I don't know why I didn't think to sub chickpeas for croutons before, that's such a good idea. Perhaps I could get my partner on board with this salad.