
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)

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
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a small mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and salt.
- 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
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
Assemble the salad by placing the spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese (if using) in a large salad bowl.
- 6
Add the roasted chickpeas on top and drizzle with the lemon tahini dressing.
- 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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