Looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal prep game? Say hello to the Roasted Chickpea Salad with Grapes and Feta! This Mediterranean-inspired delight is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of flavor and texture. Imagine crispy roasted chickpeas mingling with sweet, juicy grapes and creamy feta cheese, all atop a bed of fresh mixed greens. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Ready to discover how to whip up this delectable dish in just 30 minutes? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Thoroughly drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy roasted chickpeas.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the dried 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 roasting and crispiness.
- Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy when done.
- While chickpeas are roasting, wash and halve the grapes. Crumble the feta cheese and prepare the mixed greens for serving.
- Once chickpeas are roasted, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to prevent wilting the salad greens.
- In a large serving bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted chickpeas, halved grapes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- If desired, drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, crispy chickpeas and fresh ingredients at their peak flavor and texture.
Tips
- Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly: For perfectly crispy roasted chickpeas, make sure to dry them completely after rinsing. Excess moisture will prevent them from getting that desirable crunch.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer to ensure even roasting. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through roasting, give the baking sheet a good shake to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding garlic powder, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately while the chickpeas are warm and crispy. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the components separate until serving.
- Add a Dressing: If you like a little extra flavor, consider drizzling a simple vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
