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To make a Crispy Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad in the air fryer, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups kale, chopped and stems removed - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade) - Croutons (optional, for added crunch) These ingredients work together to create a delightful salad. The chickpeas add crunch and protein. The kale gives a fresh and earthy flavor. The dressing ties it all together, making each bite a treat. If you want a vegan version, just swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use homemade Caesar dressing for a personal touch. Gather these items, and you’ll be ready to make this tasty salad! First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting crispy chickpeas. Next, pat the chickpeas dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure to remove any loose skins, as they can get burned. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chickpeas are well-coated. Now, place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer. Air fry them for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently. This helps the chickpeas crisp evenly. They should turn golden brown and crunchy. Once done, set them aside to cool. While the chickpeas are cooking, wash and dry the kale well. Remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In another bowl, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the kale. Sprinkle with salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. This makes the kale softer and tastier. In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, crispy chickpeas, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing next. Toss everything together until well mixed. Ensure all components are evenly coated with dressing for the best flavor. To serve, if you want extra crunch, add croutons just before plating. Present the salad on individual plates or a large serving platter. For a pop of color, garnish with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. Adding lemon wedges on the side gives it a nice zesty touch! To get the best crispy chickpeas, start with a good air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Dry the chickpeas well; moisture makes them soggy. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. When they turn golden brown, they’re ready! Massaging kale makes it tender and tasty. It helps break down tough fibers. To do this, wash and dry your kale first. Place it in a bowl, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle salt. Use your hands to rub the leaves for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll feel the leaves soften. This step enhances the flavor of the kale and makes it easier to chew. You can make your Caesar dressing at home! Start with a base of mayonnaise, add garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of Dijon mustard. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. If you want vegan dressing, blend cashews, lemon juice, and a bit of nutritional yeast. You can also try store-bought dressing if you’re short on time. Just remember to taste and adjust the flavors to your liking! {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegan. Swap the grated Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. It's packed with vitamins and adds depth to your dish. For the dressing, use a vegan Caesar dressing. Many brands offer great options. You can also make your own with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Want to add more protein? You can include grilled chicken or crispy tofu. Chicken adds a juicy bite, while tofu gives a nice texture. If using tofu, press it first to remove moisture. Then, season it with your favorite spices before cooking. This makes it extra tasty and satisfying. Using seasonal vegetables can make your salad even better. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In summer, try cherry tomatoes or cucumber. Fall brings sweet roasted squash or apples. Winter is perfect for adding roasted Brussels sprouts or beets. These swaps keep your salad fresh and exciting all year round. To keep your salad fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to keep the crispy chickpeas separate. This way, they will stay crunchy. If you mix them in, they can get soggy. Aim to finish leftovers within two days for the best taste. Crispy chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat them, use your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their crunch. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make them soft. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days in the fridge. After that, the kale may wilt. The chickpeas can lose their crispness, too. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks bad, throw it away. Your health is the top priority! Yes, you can prep parts of this salad in advance. Store the crispy chickpeas in an airtight container. They stay crunchy for a few days. Keep the kale separate and store it in the fridge. Toss everything together just before you are ready to eat. This way, your salad stays fresh and tasty. If you do not have chickpeas, you can try other beans. Black beans or cannellini beans work well. You can even use roasted nuts or seeds for a different crunch. Just remember to season them like the chickpeas for flavor. Yes, this salad is gluten-free! Just make sure your dressing is also gluten-free. Some store-bought brands may contain gluten, so check the label. If you want, you can make your own dressing to be sure. Making your own Caesar dressing is simple. Here’s a quick recipe: - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the flavors to your liking. This dressing adds a fresh touch to your salad! This blog shows how to make a tasty chickpea Caesar salad. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for crispy chickpeas. I also shared options for adding protein and variations for different diets. Whether you enjoy it right away or store it for later, this salad is fun and quick to create. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and enjoy the flavors!

Crispy Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad (Air Fryer)

Looking for a fresh twist on a classic dish? Try this Crispy Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad that's not only delicious but packed with nutrition! Whip up crispy chickpeas in your air fryer, massage some kale, and combine all with creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan for a satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish! Click through to get the full recipe and discover how easy it is to create this crunchy, flavorful salad at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups kale, chopped and stems removed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Croutons (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chickpeas dry with a kitchen towel and remove any loose skins. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

    Air Fry the Chickpeas: Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

      Prepare the Kale: While the chickpeas are cooking, wash and dry the kale thoroughly. In another bowl, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chopped kale and sprinkle with salt. Massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly.

        Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, crispy chickpeas, grated Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Toss everything together until well mixed and all components are evenly coated with dressing.

          Serve: If using croutons, add them just before serving for extra crunch. Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or a large serving platter.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: Garnish the salad with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch!