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The Canned Pantry Staple That Bulks Up Caprese Salads By David Stringer Oct. 9, 2025 8:20 pm EST
Chickpeas are an absolute pantry staple. They're affordable, versatile, add substance to all kinds of different meals, and are packed with protein. You can make crispy chickpeas with spices and garlic for a crunchy snack, stir them into soups for added texture, fold them into pasta to make it more filling, or blend them in a food processor for a homemade hummus. They also work great as a topping, especially on a salad as perfect as a Caprese .
A typical Caprese salad is made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and drizzles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar — a perfect light start to a meal, but not something that would leave you feeling full. Adding chickpeas