Roasted Chickpea Salad
Roasted Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the natural sweetness of mixed fresh fruits with the crunchy, toasted texture of roasted chickpeas. This salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a nutritious, quick, and versatile option ideal for picnics, snacks, or colorful meals.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional spices: paprika, cumin, chili powder (to taste)
Mixed Fresh Fruits
- 1 cup strawberries, halved or quartered
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mango, diced
- 1 cup kiwi, diced
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint or basil, finely chopped
Seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, sea salt, and optional spices if desired. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Chop the Fruits: While the chickpeas roast, wash and prepare your fresh fruits. Dice larger fruits like mango and kiwi into bite-sized pieces and halve smaller berries such as strawberries or blueberries, keeping all pieces roughly the same size for consistency.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely chopped mint or basil. This light dressing will bind the salad ingredients and enhance their flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruits.
- Combine Everything: Once the chickpeas have cooled enough to handle, combine them with the chopped fruits in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, fresh ground pepper, or more lemon juice if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Roasted Chickpea Salad fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. It works well as a standalone snack or paired with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; spread chickpeas in a single layer for even roasting.
- Use seasonal fruits for the freshest flavor and best value.
- Add dressing just before serving to maintain crunchy texture.
- Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or dill for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted chickpea salad, fruit salad, healthy salad, crunchy salad, vegetarian, gluten free, vegan option