Simple Homemade Crispy Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Simple Homemade Crispy Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Looking for a salad that’s anything but boring? Say hello to my crispy chickpea and spinach salad! It’s crunchy, zesty, and tied together with a silky lemon tahini dressing. Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying—this one’s a total flavor fest in every bite. Let’s get tossing!

5.0 out of 5 (3 ratings)

Picture this: you’re in the mood for a salad, but you don’t want the same ol’ sad pile of wilting greens. You need something with texture, zing, and a little pizzazz, right? Enter my Simple Homemade Crispy Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing! This isn’t just a salad—it’s an edible adventure. The crispy chickpeas bring a satisfying crunch, the spinach keeps things fresh, and that zippy lemon tahini dressing ties it all together like a bow on a present. Trust me, your taste buds are about to throw a party.

Simple Homemade Crispy Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe

What sets this salad apart is the magical combination of flavors and textures. Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are roasted until golden and crispy with just the right amount of spice—think smoky paprika, garlic, and a touch of cumin. Then, there’s the dressing. Oh, the dressing! It’s creamy, nutty, and tangy, made with tahini, fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey for balance. Finally, the spinach adds a tender, earthy element that’s not too heavy but keeps every bite refreshing. It’s the kind of salad that feels just as at home on a weeknight dinner table as it does at a fancy brunch.

Pro tip: If you want those chickpeas to stay super crispy, make sure they’re completely dry before roasting. Pat them down with a paper towel or clean dishcloth first—it really does make a difference. And don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; they need a little breathing room to crisp up nicely. As for the dressing, whisk it until it’s smooth and adjust the consistency with a little water to your liking. If you’ve got leftover dressing (lucky you!), it doubles as a dip for veggies or even a spread for sandwiches. Versatility for the win!

Ready to dig in? I love serving this salad as a main dish with some crusty bread on the side, or you can pair it as a vibrant starter for a larger meal. Want to switch it up? Toss in some roasted sweet potatoes or sprinkle a handful of pomegranate seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe is your canvas, so feel free to add your own creative touch. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will be your go-to for when you need something light, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Now, go grab that bowl and get tossing—you’ve got a masterpiece to create!

Keywords: crispy chickpea spinach salad, homemade lemon tahini dressing recipe, easy crunchy salad ideas, chickpea salad main dish, quick spinach salad recipes, healthy vegetarian salad ideas, roasted chickpeas salad recipe.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a small mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and salt.

  3. 3

    Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.

  4. 4

    While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

  5. 5

    Assemble the salad by placing the spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese (if using) in a large salad bowl.

  6. 6

    Add the roasted chickpeas on top and drizzle with the lemon tahini dressing.

  7. 7

    Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories

290 calories

Protein

10g

Carbs

30g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?

A: Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they need to be cooked first. Soak them overnight, then boil them until tender before proceeding with the recipe. Make sure they are thoroughly dried before roasting to ensure crispiness.

Q: What can I substitute for tahini in the dressing?

A: If you don't have tahini, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but the texture will remain creamy.

Q: How can I make the chickpeas crispier?

A: For extra crispy chickpeas, make sure they are completely dry before tossing them with the oil and spices. You can also roast them for a few more minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning. Stirring halfway through roasting is crucial for even crispiness.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: The components can be prepared ahead of time, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and the chickpeas crispy. Store the roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and refrigerate the dressing separately for up to 3 days.

Q: What are some good substitutions for spinach?

A: You can use other leafy greens like arugula, kale, or mixed salad greens as a substitute for spinach. If using kale, consider massaging it with a bit of olive oil to soften the texture.

Q: Is this salad vegan-friendly?

A: Yes, this salad is vegan as long as you omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. It will still be flavorful and satisfying without the cheese.

Q: What other toppings can I add to this salad?

A: You can add sliced avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, toasted nuts or seeds, or even grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. These additions can enhance the flavor and make the salad more filling.

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