Mixed Greens Crispy Chickpeas (Printable)

Tender mixed greens tossed with zesty dressing and topped with crispy spiced chickpeas.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crispy Chickpea Croutons

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

08 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine, frisée)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1/2 cucumber, sliced
11 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1/4 cup shredded carrots
13 - 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

14 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
18 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
19 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry with a clean towel and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Spread chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, mix the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, and radishes.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
07 - Top the dressed salad with the crispy chickpea croutons just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Those crispy chickpeas are absolutely addictive and give you the crunch you didn't know you were missing.
  • It's genuinely satisfying as a meal, not just a side, because of the protein and texture working together.
  • You can have it ready in under 40 minutes, which feels like a small miracle on a weeknight.
02 -
  • Drying the chickpeas is non-negotiable; even a little moisture will steam them instead of crisping them.
  • Don't dress the salad until the very last moment, and definitely don't add the chickpeas until you're about to eat—timing is everything here.
  • If you're prepping ahead, keep the components separate and assemble when you're ready to eat.
03 -
  • Keep your greens in a salad spinner if you have one—any extra water will dilute your dressing and make everything sad.
  • Make the dressing a few hours ahead and let the flavors settle; it actually tastes better after sitting for a bit.
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