Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance! Our Chopped Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of fresh, vibrant vegetables and irresistibly crunchy roasted chickpeas that transform an ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal. Get ready to elevate your lunch routine with this simple yet spectacular dish that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures they become crispy when roasted.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each chickpea is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy when done.
- While chickpeas are roasting, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Once chickpeas are crispy and cooled for 2-3 minutes, sprinkle them over the salad.
- Crumble feta cheese on top of the salad for added flavor and creaminess.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chickpeas.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly pat your chickpeas dry before roasting to achieve that perfect golden crunch.
- Use parchment paper when roasting chickpeas to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your chickpeas space to breathe and crisp up properly.
- For maximum flavor, season your chickpeas generously and shake the pan midway through roasting.
- Serve the salad immediately after adding crispy chickpeas to maintain their satisfying crunch.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor complexity.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu to make this salad a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
