Craving a fresh and healthy dish? Try this Crispy Chickpea Salad, packed with crunchy roasted chickpeas, vibrant veggies, and a zesty tahini dressing that’s easy to make! Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, this salad is not only delicious but also loaded with protein and fiber. Explore the simple steps and tips to create your own delightful version.
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens (a blend of spinach, arugula, and kale)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1/4 medium red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for garnish)
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon water (to adjust dressing consistency)
Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
![- Canned chickpeas - Mixed greens - Cherry tomatoes - Cucumber - Red onion - Feta cheese (optional) - Tahini - Lemon juice - Water - Extra virgin olive oil - Smoked paprika - Garlic powder - Ground cumin - Sea salt and black pepper In this crispy chickpea salad, you will find many fresh and healthy ingredients. The main star is canned chickpeas, which add protein and fiber. I love using mixed greens, like spinach and arugula, to give the salad a fresh base. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while cucumber brings a nice crunch. A bit of red onion adds flavor, and feta cheese is optional but delicious. For the dressing, I use tahini, which is creamy and rich. Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick, and I mix in water to get the right consistency. To flavor the chickpeas, I drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Smoked paprika and garlic powder give a warm taste. Ground cumin adds depth, while sea salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. You can find the full recipe at the bottom, but these ingredients will help you create a delightful salad that is both crispy and healthy! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Open the can of chickpeas, then drain and rinse them well. - In a mixing bowl, add the chickpeas. - Drizzle with olive oil and mix well. - Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper over the chickpeas. - Toss to coat each chickpea evenly with spices. - Spread the seasoned chickpeas on the baking sheet. - Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking. - Place the baking sheet in the oven. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. - Stir the chickpeas halfway through to help them crisp up. - They should turn golden brown and become crunchy. - While the chickpeas roast, grab a large salad bowl. - Add mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. - Toss the salad ingredients gently to mix them. - In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth. - Adjust the dressing with more water if needed for the right thickness. - Once the chickpeas are crispy, let them cool for a few minutes. - Add the chickpeas to the salad bowl. - Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad. - Toss everything gently to coat well. - If you want, sprinkle feta cheese on top. - Add freshly chopped parsley for color and taste. - Serve the salad right away for the best flavor. To make the best crispy chickpeas, start by ensuring they are well-drained. After rinsing, dry them with a clean towel. This step helps remove extra moisture, which is key for crispiness. Next, use a single layer roasting technique. Spread the chickpeas on your baking sheet without crowding them. This allows hot air to circulate and gives you that perfect crunchy texture. To boost flavor, consider adding extra spices. You can try cayenne pepper for heat or onion powder for a savory kick. Fresh herbs also elevate the taste. Chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh note and color to your salad. For a beautiful plate presentation, layer the greens at the bottom of your bowl. Then, add the roasted chickpeas on top. This showcases their golden color. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or a warm pita for a complete meal. Enjoy this crispy chickpea salad fresh from the oven for the best experience. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Chickpea Salad section. {{image_4}} You can change up the dressing for your crispy chickpea salad. A creamy avocado dressing adds richness. Just blend ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and a little water. This gives a smooth and tasty twist. If you prefer a lighter option, try a lemon vinaigrette. Mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This brightens the flavors in the salad and pairs well with the crispy chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables to your salad. Bell peppers bring crunch and color. Shredded carrots add sweetness and a pop of orange. Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies. For protein, grilled chicken or tofu are excellent choices. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch. Tofu provides a plant-based boost. Both options keep your meal filling and nutritious. If you want vegan options, skip the feta cheese. You can add more veggies or use a nut cheese for flavor. This keeps the salad tasty and satisfying without dairy. For gluten-free needs, this salad is perfect as is. All ingredients are gluten-free, making it safe for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy this fresh and healthy delight without worry! To keep your crispy chickpea salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to lock in flavors and moisture. This way, your salad remains crunchy and tasty. It’s best to keep the chickpeas separate from the greens. This prevents the salad from getting soggy. To maintain the crispiness of your chickpeas after storing, reheat them in an oven. Spread them on a baking sheet. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive their crunch. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soft. Your salad can last about 3 days in the fridge. However, the chickpeas can stay crispy for up to a week if stored separately. Always check for freshness before eating leftovers. If you notice any off smells or textures, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoying fresh food is key! For the full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can prepare some parts early. Here are tips for pre-assembling: - Chickpeas: Roast them ahead and store in an airtight container. They stay crispy for a day. - Vegetables: Wash and chop your mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Keep them in the fridge in a sealed container. - Dressing: Make the tahini dressing and store it for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using. - Combine Later: Wait to mix everything until just before serving. This keeps your salad fresh and crunchy. If you cannot use tahini, here are some great alternatives: - Sunflower Seed Butter: This works well and adds a nutty flavor. - Greek Yogurt: For a creamy touch, use plain Greek yogurt. - Peanut Butter: It adds a unique taste but make sure it’s smooth. - Hummus: This offers a similar texture and flavor. These options cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Making crispy chickpeas in an air fryer is quick and easy. Follow these steps: 1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C). 2. Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Pat them dry with a towel. 3. Season: Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. 4. Air Fry: Place the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. 5. Shake: Halfway through, give the basket a shake for even cooking. These crispy chickpeas will be a delightful addition to your salad. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Chickpea Salad section. This blog post covered a tasty salad with crispy chickpeas. We explored main ingredients like chickpeas, greens, tomatoes, and optional feta. You learned how to prepare and roast chickpeas for the perfect crunch. We shared tips to enhance flavor and serve it well. You can tweak the dressing and add different veggies or proteins. Lastly, we covered how to store leftovers and keep everything fresh. Enjoy making this salad your own, and remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Keep experimenting with flavors!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/b5373eaf-2db1-4197-9154-50b74cd44625-250x250.webp)