Kefir Caesar Salad with Spiced Chickpeas
This unique take on a classic Caesar is packed with flavor and texture. Creamy, tangy kefir- based Caesar dressing is perfectly balanced with crunchy homemade croutons, tender greens and spicy chickpeas.
Appetizer
Serves 6 People
Prep Time: 35 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Herbed Croutons:
1 demi-baguette, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Kefir Caesar Dressing:
3/4 cup Rolling Meadow Dairy Plain Kefir
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Spiced Chickpeas:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can (16 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp honey
Assembly:
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
4 cups chopped kale leaves
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Herbed Croutons: Preheat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, toss together bread, olive oil, parsley, basil, onion powder, salt and pepper until evenly coated. Transfer to parchment paper–lined baking tray. Bake, shaking tray occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and evenly toasted. Remove from oven; let cool completely.
- Kefir Caesar Dressing: In large bowl, whisk together kefir, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; refrigerate until needed.
- Spiced Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in large skillet set over medium-high heat; cook chickpeas, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, pepper and garlic, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden and heated through. Drizzle honey over chickpeas; cook for about 1 minute or until glazed and evenly coated.
- Assembly: Add lettuce and kale to bowl with dressing; toss well. Divide evenly among 6 serving plates. Top with sliced red onion, chickpeas and croutons. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tip: For added protein, top with grilled shrimp or sliced roasted chicken breast.
