Budget-Friendly Chicken & Chickpea Caesar Salad Pita Pockets

A quick, protein- and fiber-packed twist on a classic Caesar salad!

If you love a good Caesar salad but want something a little more filling, these Chicken & Chickpea Caesar Pita Pockets are an easy option. They combine classic Caesar flavors with canned chicken and chickpeas for a lunch that comes together quickly with simple, affordable ingredients. Everything gets tossed together and tucked into a whole wheat pita for a meal that's both convenient and satisfying.

The chicken and chickpeas provide a combination of protein and fiber to help make this lunch more filling, while the romaine and tomatoes add vegetables, crunch, and important vitamins and minerals. Chickpeas are also a good source of plant-based iron and folate, and using whole wheat pita adds additional fiber compared with a traditional white pita.

This is also an easy recipe to customize based on what you have in the fridge. Add extra Parmesan, swap the tomatoes for another crunchy vegetable, or toss in some leftover roasted vegetables. To make this vegetarian, skip the chicken. If you don't prefer chickpeas, skip them! You can also skip the pita and enjoy the mixture as a traditional Caesar-style salad! It's a simple way to turn a few inexpensive pantry staples into a delicious lunch.

Yield: 2 servings

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 whole wheat pita pockets ($0.80)

• 1 (5-oz) can shredded chicken, drained ($1.00)

• 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($1.00)

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce ($0.75)

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved ($0.50)

• 3 Tbsp Caesar dressing ($0.35)

• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese ($0.30)

• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice ($0.10)

• ¼ tsp black pepper ($0.02)

• ¼ tsp garlic powder ($0.02)

• 2 Tbsp croutons, crushed, optional ($0.15)

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained chicken, chickpeas, chopped romaine, and cherry tomatoes.

   

2. Add the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

   

3. Gently crush the croutons and stir them into the salad, if using, for added crunch.

4. Cut the pita pockets in half and gently open each pocket.

   

5. Divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly between the pita halves.

   

6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad mixture until ready to assemble.