Get ready to transform your salad from boring to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Creamy Summer Salad with Crispy BBQ Chickpeas! Imagine a dish that combines the fresh crunch of mixed greens, the tangy sweetness of BBQ-roasted chickpeas, and a creamy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just a salad - it's a culinary adventure that takes just 40 minutes to create and will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup creamy dressing of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with BBQ sauce, ensuring each chickpea is evenly coated. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- While chickpeas are roasting, prepare the salad base by washing and thoroughly drying the mixed greens.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice red onions. Set aside.
- Once chickpeas are crispy, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to maintain crunchiness.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onions.
- Drizzle creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Top the dressed salad with crispy BBQ chickpeas just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, texturally complex summer salad.
Tips
- The secret to crispy chickpeas is moisture removal - pat them completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Use high-quality BBQ sauce for the most robust flavor in your chickpeas.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chickpeas before roasting.
- Choose a creamy dressing that complements the BBQ flavor - ranch or a light blue cheese works wonderfully.
- Serve immediately after adding the chickpeas to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- For meal prep, keep the roasted chickpeas and dressing separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
