Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. This vegetarian salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly filling, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. The combination of honey-roasted chickpeas, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying dish that stands out on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: This salad packs a punch with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from avocados.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this recipe quick to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out the veggies or add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
• Flavorsome Dressing: The creamy herb dressing elevates the salad, adding a delicious kick with every bite.
• Great for Meal Prep: It holds up well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting chickpeas evenly for that crispy texture.
• Colander: Helps rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium.
• Mixing bowls: Great for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of the dressing ingredients.

Ingredients

Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad with tomatoes, feta, and creamy herb dressing. This vegetarian salad is nutritious, flavorful, and filling.

For the Salad

• 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas
• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided (sub avocado oil)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 to 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce (sub lacinato kale if making ahead)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh, canned, or frozen/thawed corn
• 1 large (or 2 small) ripe avocados, cubed
• 1 cup feta cheese, cut into cubes (purchase a block of feta)
• 1/2 cup fresh torn basil leaves

For the Creamy Herb Dressing

• 2 Tbsp. tahini (such as Soom brand) (sub 3 Tbsp. plain full-fat Greek yogurt)
• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped chives
• 1 clove finely grated garlic (sub 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic)
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. each kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

How to Make Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place chickpeas in a colander and rinse well.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

Transfer the rinsed chickpeas to a clean towel, fold half over them, and gently rub to release any loose skins. Once dry:
1. Transfer chickpeas to a baking sheet.
2. Toss with 2 tsp. of olive oil and salt.

Step 3: Roast the Chickpeas

Bake the chickpeas for about 40 minutes:
– Shake the pan every 15 minutes.
– Watch closely towards the end to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make Honey Glaze

While chickpeas roast:
1. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tsp. olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Coat the Chickpeas

Remove roasted chickpeas from the oven:
– Toss them in honey glaze until well-coated.
– Turn off the oven but leave chickpeas inside with door slightly ajar for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Cool the Chickpeas

Let chickpeas cool completely at room temperature; this step helps them turn crispy!

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Herb Dressing

In another small bowl:
1. Combine tahini (or yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, chives, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually whisk in warm water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, corn, avocado, feta cheese, and basil.
2. Add half of the roasted chickpeas and half of the dressing; toss gently to combine.
3. Garnish with remaining chickpeas and drizzle with leftover dressing before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad!

How to Serve Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

This delicious Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a main dish or a side, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

As a Main Course

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch option.
• Pair with whole-grain pita bread for added texture and flavor.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled chicken or fish for a balanced plate.
• Enjoy alongside soup for a hearty, nutritious meal.

For Meal Prep

• Pack in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Layer in jars with dressing on the bottom to keep ingredients fresh until serving.

With Extra Toppings

• Add roasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
• Sprinkle with additional herbs like cilantro or parsley to enhance the flavor.

this …

How to Perfect Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

To make the most out of your Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use ripe avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the best texture.
• Crisp chickpeas: Ensure chickpeas are completely dry before roasting for maximum crunch.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
• Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and produce to elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
• Experiment with greens: Try different greens like spinach or arugula for unique flavors.
• Store separately: Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

This wholesome salad pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and pairs well with the salad’s textures.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf offers additional fiber and complements the salad’s ingredients nicely.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth that contrast beautifully with the fresh salad.
4. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with veggies provides a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy elements of the salad.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful twist, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the savory notes of the Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Overcooking the chickpeas – If you bake the chickpeas for too long, they can become burnt and lose their crunch. Keep an eye on them and shake the pan every 15 minutes.
• Using unripe avocados – Unripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Always choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Skipping the dressing prep – The creamy herb dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, take the time to mix it well for a delicious taste.
• Not seasoning properly – Seasoning enhances flavors. Make sure to add enough salt and pepper to both the chickpeas and the salad mixture.
• Ignoring freshness – Fresh ingredients make a difference in taste and texture. Use fresh herbs and produce whenever possible for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that avocado may brown.

Freezing Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the avocado’s texture changing after thawing.
• You can freeze just the honey roasted chickpeas if needed, which will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the chickpeas for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop – Place chickpeas in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad?

Yes! You can add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers or even swap feta cheese for goat cheese.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad, simply substitute honey with maple syrup in both the glaze and dressing.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side dish or main course.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for making Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad is approximately 80 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, you can easily customize it based on your preferences. We encourage you to try making this recipe at home—it’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner!