This Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad brings together crispy roasted chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish. The warm spices of cumin, coriander, and paprika complement the freshness of cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs, making this salad both satisfying and refreshing.
Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but this salad also looks beautiful on the plate. The contrasting colors from the red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs make for an eye-catching and appetizing presentation. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or as a main, this salad is a healthy and delicious way to add some Middle Eastern flair to your meals.
Full Recipe:
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1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons tahini
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
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Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden.
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While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
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For the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil until smooth and creamy.
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Once the chickpeas are ready, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
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Add the roasted chickpeas to the salad, drizzle with the dressing, and toss everything together gently.
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Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to a day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to the Dish
The Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and refreshing dish that seamlessly blends the earthy flavors of chickpeas with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. With a tantalizing combination of roasted chickpeas, crisp veggies, and a zesty lemony dressing, this salad brings an explosion of flavor in every bite. Inspired by the culinary genius of Yotam Ottolenghi and his famous “Jerusalem” cookbook, this dish is an ode to the flavors of the Middle East, offering a delightful experience for the palate. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with other mains, this salad has become a beloved favorite in many kitchens.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It can be served on its own as a fulfilling vegetarian meal or paired with protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken, lamb koftas, or even crispy pan-fried fish. The textures of crispy roasted chickpeas and the freshness of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs come together to create a satisfying salad that’s full of life and nutrients.
The Spiced Chickpeas: The Heart of the Salad
At the heart of this Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad are the crispy roasted chickpeas. Chickpeas are often underappreciated for their potential in salads, but when spiced and roasted, they undergo a delightful transformation. In this recipe, chickpeas are seasoned with a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, which infuse them with a smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. The beauty of chickpeas lies in their versatility – they absorb spices beautifully, and when roasted, they turn crispy, making them the perfect addition to a fresh salad.
What makes these spiced chickpeas stand out is the texture. They are crispy on the outside, offering a delightful crunch, yet remain tender on the inside. The spices enhance their natural nuttiness, providing a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and delicious. These roasted chickpeas are not only tasty but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the dish.
The Dressing: A Zesty and Balanced Vinaigrette
The dressing for the Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is where all the magic comes together. It is a simple lemon vinaigrette, but with a twist. The use of sherry vinegar, combined with lemon juice, creates a beautifully balanced acidity that isn’t too sharp, but instead adds a pleasant tang. The sweetness from a touch of sugar rounds out the flavors, giving the dressing a subtle complexity.
The dressing is light and bright, perfectly complementing the spiced chickpeas and fresh vegetables. It doesn’t overpower the other ingredients but enhances them with a burst of citrusy goodness. The garlic, infused into the dressing, adds a delicate flavor that ties everything together. The vinaigrette is a testament to the importance of a well-crafted dressing in transforming a salad into something truly extraordinary.
The Fresh Vegetables: A Refreshing Contrast
While the spiced chickpeas and dressing steal the show in terms of flavor, the fresh vegetables in this salad play a vital role in providing texture, crunch, and additional layers of flavor. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions create a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chickpeas. The cucumbers add a cool, crisp element, while the tomatoes offer juiciness and a burst of sweetness. The red onions, thinly sliced, provide a mild sharpness that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Fresh herbs, particularly parsley and mint, bring an aromatic touch to the salad, further enhancing its freshness. These herbs elevate the dish by offering a fragrant quality that ties together the spices and vegetables. The combination of fresh produce and herbs ensures that each bite is vibrant and light, balancing the richness of the roasted chickpeas and the depth of the vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions for Versatility
This Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. On its own, it’s a filling and nutritious dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. However, if you want to make it a more substantial meal, it pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, lamb koftas, or even crispy falafel for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired feast. The fresh and zesty elements of the salad complement the richness of these proteins, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
For a more Mediterranean feel, serve the salad with a dollop of thick, creamy yogurt and pita bread. The yogurt adds a cooling element, which contrasts nicely with the spiced chickpeas and tangy dressing. Pita bread is perfect for scooping up the salad, turning it into a fun and interactive meal. The salad also works as a side dish to accompany heartier mains such as roasted meats or even as part of a larger spread for a dinner party or family gathering.
A Healthy and Nutritious Dish
The Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. The fiber content in chickpeas aids in digestion and helps maintain satiety, preventing the need to snack later.
The vegetables in the salad, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients support immune health, improve digestion, and contribute to skin health. Additionally, the healthy fats from olive oil in the dressing provide heart-healthy benefits. The salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those simply looking for a lighter, plant-based meal.
Customization: Tailoring the Salad to Your Preferences
One of the wonderful things about the Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is how easy it is to customize. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, feel free to swap them out for others. Bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes can be great additions. You can also adjust the spice levels according to your preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
If you prefer a more substantial salad, consider adding grains such as quinoa, couscous, or bulgur. These grains will add texture and make the salad even more filling. For a different flavor profile, try using other herbs like cilantro or basil in place of mint and parsley. The dressing can also be adjusted to suit your taste; some people prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, while others enjoy a more tangy dressing.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This salad is perfect for meal prepping. The chickpeas can be roasted in advance, and the salad can be assembled quickly whenever you’re ready to eat. The flavors of the dressing and spices often improve after sitting for a while, so it’s a great option for make-ahead meals.
If you’re packing this salad for lunch or taking it to work, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This will ensure the salad stays fresh and doesn’t become soggy. The salad also keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two, making it an ideal option for leftovers.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Satisfying Salad
The Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with the right spices and flavors, can create a dish that is both satisfying and exciting. The roasted chickpeas add crunch and flavor, while the fresh vegetables and herbs provide balance and freshness. The zesty dressing ties everything together with its perfect mix of citrusy tang and mild sweetness. This salad is a healthy, versatile, and delicious dish that can be served as a main or a side and is perfect for meal prepping.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light meal or add a vibrant side dish to your dinner table, this Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad is sure to impress. It’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds—flavor and nutrition—making it a great addition to any meal plan.