Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus

Are you ready to elevate your salad game? This Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It features a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and creamy hummus that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Perfect for lunch or as a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into how to create this colorful and wholesome dish!

Why This Recipe Works

This Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus works brilliantly for several reasons. First, the combination of textures—from the crisp romaine to the tender roasted chickpeas—creates a delightful mouthfeel. Next, the flavors are well-balanced; the earthiness of the chickpeas pairs perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the hummus. Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a filling dinner, this salad has you covered.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 large head romaine lettuce – Provides a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.
• 1 English/hothouse cucumber – Adds a cool crunch.
• 2 medium carrots – For sweetness and color.
• 5 oz. grape tomatoes – Juicy and vibrant, these tomatoes brighten the dish.
• 1/3 cup red onion (or green onion) – Adds a sharp bite and depth of flavor.
• 1 batch oil-free hummus – Creamy and nutritious, it serves as a delicious dressing.
• 1 or 2 batches Smoky Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy and smoky, they provide protein and texture.
• Balsamic vinegar for drizzling (or Maple Balsamic Dressing) – A tangy finish that brings all the flavors together.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl – For tossing your salad ingredients together.
• Sheet pan – To roast the chickpeas in the oven.
• Blender or food processor – For making smooth and creamy hummus.
• Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a bowl and toss with your desired seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread the chickpeas evenly on a sheet pan and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are crispy.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

While the chickpeas are roasting, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Peel and julienne the carrots, and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Halve the grape tomatoes and finely chop the red onion or green onions.

Step 3: Make the Hummus

In a blender or food processor, combine the ingredients for the oil-free hummus, which typically include canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes, and red onion. Toss to mix the vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Add the Roasted Chickpeas

Once the chickpeas are done roasting, let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad. Their crunch will add a delightful texture to each bite.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle balsamic vinegar or your Maple Balsamic Dressing over the salad. Add generous dollops of hummus on top, then toss everything together gently to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

International Equivalents

• Romaine lettuce: Known as “laitue romaine” in French, “romana” in Italian.
• Cucumber: “Pepino” in Spanish, “concombre” in French.
• Chickpeas: “Garbanzo” in Spanish, “pois chiche” in French.
• Hummus: Traditionally enjoyed across the Middle East, it’s known as “حمص” (hummus) in Arabic.

Insider Tips

For an extra flavor punch, try marinating the sliced vegetables in a little lemon juice and salt for about 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This helps to soften the veggies and enhance their flavor.

• Customize your salad by adding your favorite ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or olives.
• If you love spice, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your roasted chickpeas.
• For added protein, you can toss in some quinoa or feta cheese.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chickpeas may lose some crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious. Avoid freezing the salad, as the vegetables will become mushy once thawed.

• To reheat the chickpeas, pop them back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes until crispy again.
• Keep the hummus separate if you plan to store leftovers to maintain its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are a great time-saver. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before roasting.

What can I substitute for the hummus?

If you don’t have hummus on hand, you can use a store-bought version or a different creamy dressing, such as a tahini dressing or Greek yogurt.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra creaminess.

How can I make this salad more filling?

You can add grains like quinoa or farro, nuts, seeds, or even cheese if you like, to increase the heartiness of the salad.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
• Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
• Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing
• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lentils and Rice

Bring It Home

Now that you have all the details for making your very own Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a vibrant dish for a gathering, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, the flavors, and the satisfaction of crafting a healthy, tasty meal that you can feel good about!