Ingredients

For the Crispy Chickpeas

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sourdough Croutons

  • 2 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s anchovy-free)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

For the Salad

  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, outer leaves removed
  • 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer (or oven for chickpeas and croutons)
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Blender or whisk for dressing
  • Large mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas

  1. Pat the drained chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
    • Oven alternative: Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

Step 2: Make the Sourdough Croutons

  1. In a large bowl, toss sourdough cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
    • Oven alternative: Bake on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Prepare the Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing

  1. In a blender or medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Blend or whisk until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency (should be creamy but pourable).
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Smash and Crisp the Romaine

  1. Trim the root ends of the romaine heads and separate the leaves. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Place romaine leaves on a clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet, gently smash the leaves to slightly flatten and bruise them (this enhances texture and flavor absorption).
  3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly brush romaine leaves with olive oil.
  4. Grill the leaves for 1–2 minutes per side, until slightly charred and crispy at the edges but still vibrant green. Work in batches if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  1. Arrange the crisped romaine leaves on a large platter or divide among individual plates.
  2. Drizzle generously with the Caesar dressing.
  3. Scatter crispy chickpeas and sourdough croutons evenly over the top.
  4. Sprinkle with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese and a few grinds of black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the romaine, chickpeas, and croutons.
  • Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.

Tips

  • Make-Ahead: The chickpeas, croutons, and dressing can be prepared a day in advance. Store chickpeas and croutons in airtight containers at room temperature, and the dressing in the fridge.
  • Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and vegan Parmesan for the dressing, and omit Parmesan topping or use a vegan alternative.
  • Storage: Assembled salad is best eaten fresh. Store components separately for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g

Enjoy your vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful Crispy Chickpea Caesar Smash Salad!