Broccoli Caesar Salad with Chickpeas

Broccoli Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas & Toasted Breadcrumbs

A bold, crunchy twist on a classic Caesar with roasted texture and fresh bite.

Cook Time – 35 Minutes Serving Size – 3 sides

This modern take on a Caesar salad swaps traditional romaine for crisp, vibrant broccoli, creating a hearty and texture-packed dish. Tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing, the salad is elevated with crispy roasted chickpeas and golden toasted breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch in every bite. It’s rich yet refreshing, indulgent yet balanced — making it ideal as a standout side or a satisfying vegetarian main. Packed with flavor, texture, and a fresh twist, this is Caesar like you’ve never had before.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
2 cups broccoli florets (cut small, bite-sized)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt & black pepper to taste
To Finish:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh cracked black pepper
Lemon wedges

Directions

Roast the Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until crispy.
Toast the Breadcrumbs:
In a skillet over medium heat, add remaining olive oil and breadcrumbs. Toast until golden brown and crisp (3–5 minutes). Set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli:
Blanch broccoli in boiling salted water for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain well (or leave raw for extra crunch).
Make the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Parmesan, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
Toss broccoli with dressing until well coated. Add crispy chickpeas and mix gently.
Finish & Serve:
Top with toasted breadcrumbs, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recommended microgreens for this dish

Arugula

Considered since a long time as one of the most useful and healthiest natural superfood, this plant adds a health supplement to a varieties of menus. Arugula is also known as rocket.

The Arugula microgreen is flavourful with a zest of pepper taste. The leaf is similar to the oak leaf.