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Tahini Caesar Pasta Salad

Tahini Caesar Pasta Salad

This Tahini Caesar Pasta Salad is a bold, creamy, plant-based twist on the classic Caesar. Made with a rich tahini dressing, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and crunchy roasted chickpeas, it is a healthy and satisfying cold pasta salad perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g fusilli or penne pasta
  • 400 g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.33 cup tahini
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 0.5 tsp maple syrup
  • warm water (as needed)
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 English cucumber, sliced
  • 2 romaine hearts, chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • baking tray
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • colander
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Toss dried chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy, then cool.
  2. In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire or soy sauce, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add warm water gradually to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
  3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
  4. Prepare vegetables by halving tomatoes, slicing cucumber, and chopping romaine.
  5. Combine pasta, tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl. Add most of the dressing and toss well to coat.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  7. Before serving, add romaine, remaining dressing, and toss gently. Top with crispy chickpeas and adjust seasoning.

Notes

Always stir tahini thoroughly before using for a smooth dressing. Adjust consistency with warm water as needed. Add crispy chickpeas just before serving to maintain crunch. Store dressing separately if meal prepping for best texture.