This Healthy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas is a lighter, nutritious twist on the classic. Crispy roasted chickpeas and crunchy panko breadcrumbs bring texture to the fresh kale, while a creamy Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing adds rich flavor. Topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and parmesan, it’s a satisfying, flavorful salad that’s perfect for a healthy meal or side dish.
Healthy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 cups kale, chopped
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup panko crumbs
- 15-ounce can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then transfer them to a large bowl. Coat the chickpeas with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
- Place the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes un
- For the dressing – put all the ingredients into a blender and blend for a minute or until the dressing is very smooth. If it is too thick, add a splash of milk or water and blend again.
- Chop the kale and add it to a large salad bowl.
- Add the panko crumbs to a small pan and toast them over medium heat until they brown. Keep mixing the panko so they don’t burn.
- Add the toasted panko, crispy chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and dressing to the kale and toss.
Enjoy!
Not only is this Kale Caesar Salad delicious, but it’s also loaded with nutrients. Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, while the roasted chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The Greek yogurt dressing adds a creamy texture with less fat and more protein than traditional dressings, and the addition of pumpkin seeds offers a boost of healthy fats and minerals.
Overall, this salad is a perfect choice for anyone looking to nourish their body while enjoying a tasty, crunchy meal.

About the Author:
Katharine Rosenthal is a registered dietitian and food blogger who specializes in making healthy eating easy and approachable. She specializes in simple, flavorful recipes that come together quickly. Her favorite dishes are the ones that require minimal prep but taste delicious!
Katharine lives in Mooresville with her husband and their three boys, soaking up all the fun that the Lake Norman area has to offer. When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, snuggling her cats and dogs, staying active, traveling, or getting lost in a good book.
Katharine Rosenthal, RDN | Registered Dietitian and Food Blogger

About the Publisher:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find him boating, running & cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Lake Norman, NC
www.LKNreal.com
Buying or Selling a home in the Lake Norman area?
Sign up for my monthly REAL ESTATE newsletter: