Step 1

Start by preparing your chickpeas.  Rinse and drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with a towel.  Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a couple teaspoons olive oil, chickpeas and spices and 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.  Mix everything together and cook chickpeas until heated through and getting crispy, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Make your dressing.  Add all dressing ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix until combined and creamy, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

Prepare your toppings.  Cut all topping ingredients small, similar sized pieces.  You don’t want them to be too much bigger than the chickpeas.

Step 4

Make your Christmas tree.  Remove the outer leaves on the heads of romaine lettuce.  Then, carefully pull apart all the remaining leaves.  Start assembling your tree on the platter you plan to serve it on.  I like to use the large leaves at the bottom and the smaller leaves as you get to the top of the tree.

Step 5

Evenly sprinkle all the chickpeas and chopped vegetables on top of the christmas tree.  Drizzle with dressing and then top with the smashed croutons.  Enjoy as a finger food or as a salad platter that people can help themselves from.