Ingredients:
For the taco-seasoned roasted chickpeas:
- 1 can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the salad:
- Mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or kale)
- Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion)
- Avocado slices
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- Optional: Vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spiced Chickpeas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse and thoroughly dry the chickpeas using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Remove any loose skins for a crispier texture.
- In a small bowl, combine the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chickpeas are golden and crispy, stirring halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- Assemble the Salad Bowl:
- While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare your salad ingredients. Wash and chop the mixed greens and assorted vegetables of your choice.
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large salad bowl or on individual plates. Top with the chopped vegetables, avocado slices, and any other desired toppings.
- Once the spiced chickpeas are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Add the roasted chickpeas to the salad bowl just before serving, ensuring they are still warm and crispy.
- Garnish the salad with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
- Enjoy!
- Serve the vegan Big Heart Salad Bowl with Spiced Roasted Chickpeas immediately, allowing everyone to mix their own salad with the warm and crunchy chickpeas. Drizzle with your favorite vegan dressing or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing.
At the heart of this salad bowl lies the star of the show: spiced roasted chickpeas. Rather than using animal-derived ingredients, we opt for organic chickpeas seasoned with a tantalizing blend of garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. A drizzle of olive oil helps to crisp them up in the oven, resulting in golden-brown nuggets of flavor that add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
As the chickpeas roast to perfection, we turn our attention to the vibrant array of vegetables that will compose the salad. Mixed greens, including nutrient-rich spinach, peppery arugula, and hearty kale, provide a verdant base that sets the stage for a symphony of colors and textures. Assorted vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion add freshness, crunch, and a burst of flavor to the ensemble.
No salad is complete without a creamy and indulgent element, and for our vegan rendition, we turn to creamy avocado slices to provide richness and decadence. Their velvety texture and subtle flavor perfectly complement the boldness of the spiced chickpeas and the crispness of the vegetables, adding a luxurious touch to each forkful.
To tie everything together, we garnish the salad with lemon wedges, offering a bright and citrusy contrast that enhances the overall freshness of the dish. A final sprinkle of vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast adds a savory depth of flavor, elevating the salad to new heights of culinary delight.
With each component thoughtfully assembled in a large salad bowl, we invite you to indulge in the vibrant flavors and textures of this vegan masterpiece. Each bite is a celebration of plant-based goodness, nourishing not only the body but also the soul with its abundance of nutrients and compassionate ingredients. So take a moment to savor the richness of this Big Heart Salad Bowl with Spiced Roasted Chickpeas, knowing that every mouthful is a testament to the joy of vegan cooking and the love that goes into each dish.
