Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4
This Fresh and Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Packed with crunchy vegetables and crispy roasted chickpeas, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this vibrant dish!
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Chickpeas:
- 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups of mixed greens (such as kale, spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the drained and rinsed chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
- Top the salad with the roasted chickpeas.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the roasted chickpea salad immediately, garnished with extra chopped fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy this fresh and crunchy dish!
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Protein: Add some cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein.
- Different Greens: Substitute or mix in other greens like Swiss chard or watercress for a different flavor.
- Cheesy Flavor: Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy finish.
This Fresh and Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant and fresh flavors of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
