Expectations. I’m trying to figure them out. Like is it good to have expectations or do expectations always get crushed? I sometimes get stuck in this trap where I set expectations and they seem to get crushed every single time leaving me feeling inadequate.
Regardless, the good news is that this 20 minute caesar salad with crispy chickpeas nailed it.
It definitely hit that high bar I set where I know if I put it out there you are going to love it. The right blend of perfectly spiced chickpeas (obviously caked in spices) and cooked to the perfect crispness atop a bed of cool, chopped kale and romaine coated in a creamy homemade dressing. Yes, caesar salad can be healthy and you’re staring it right in the face.
I see lots of options with this delicious blend. You could top it with grilled chicken or shrimp alongside those plump chickpeas. You could add some sliced avocados, parmesan crisps or even top it on a baked sweet potato. Because caesar salad stuffed sweet potatoes is the best thing no one is talking about. Mostly because it’s a little weird but the flavors are all there, I promise.
Not to mention those chickpeas make for a great snack, especially if you’re a picker. You know a chip, cracker kind of person where you find fulfillment in just picking and popping. Delicious and all easily made ahead.
Obviously it meets every expectation you could ever have for a meal. Signed, sealed and delivered.
It’s the small things in life I guess, like nailing a recipe, getting a shower and finishing a run without seeing stars. But man expectations can really get the best of the person. So really, I’d love insight. Are expectations a good thing to set or does it just crush dreams and hopes? I feel like I always must set my expectations too high. Even going to Target with the kids and envisioning peace, calmness and no fighting, screaming or temper tantrums. Just once can it happen? Absolutely not.
Or how about sleeping in on the weekends. Never.
The same goes for our health. Expect to lose weight on a new plan, fail. Begin training for a 5k, get sick and have to start back at the beginning. So what’s the deal, the expectations we hold on ourself. Maybe we need to trash expectations all together and instead live determined no matter the situation?
I don’t know the answer yet but you can bet I’m searching and soon you can probably expect (oh dear help me) a podcast about it. But then again I’m creating expectations 😉
In the meantime one thing I know for certain is that this recipe is going to meet every need and want in  your life. The other thing I know to be true is the Simple Cleanse that just launched is solid. It works, every single time, it works. Trust me I don’t generally have enough confidence to be that certain but this I am certain. Why am I certain? For one because you can eat delicious food like this on the program, love your life and really develop a new relationship with food, with yourself that allows you to let go of expectations and instead just value you so much that you work every day to become something better.
Gush… I know! It’s that good.
So it’s time to check the expectations at the door and believe for once that you are worth more than the expectations of a certain size or number on a scale. That expectations hold nothing against confidence and running hard no matter the situation. So I’m asking that you join me in these next steps of taking back your health, your mentality and belief in the fact that you are enough. Embark on this journey of lasting health and really good food. To learn more click here and make the decision today and forever be changed.
I got your back! Now let’s go get our crispy on with these chickpeas shall we?
- 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp cumin
- 1½ Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp cardomon
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 4 cups chopped romaine
- DRESSING
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3-4 Tbsp Coconut Cream (Coconut milk, Yogurt, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream)
- 2 Tbsp water (optional, depending on desired thickness)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Grilled protein (chicken, shrimp, steak)
- Parmesan Crisps
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas and place in a large bowl.
- Add spices to a small bowl and mix well.
- Add olive oil to chickpeas and toss to coat. Sprinkle with seasoning and mix well.
- Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes stirring once.
- Meanwhile, chop kale and caesar salad.
- Make dressing by adding all ingredients to a blender and blending until incorporated. Add water if too thick.
- Add dressing to chopped salad and mix well. Top with chickpeas and additional toppings.
- Enjoy!
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