When the cold winter months roll in, a hearty yet refreshing dish like a winter chickpea salad is just what you need. This versatile chickpea salad recipe is perfect as a main dish, a side, or even for meal prep. Combining the creaminess of the chickpeas with the vibrant pomegranate seeds, butternut squash, and crunchy baby carrots, this dish is a flavour-packed powerhouse! A generous pinch of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt flakes elevates the flavours, making it the perfect addition to your Veganuary menu or a comforting plant-based option for any day of the week.
Finish the recipe with a simple tahini dressing to make the salad burst with flavour, or instead use vegan mayonnaise to drizzle on top. You can also try crumbling a few pieces of plant-based cheeses to add depth and texture to the dish. We like using Violife Non-Diary Feta Style Cheese which is great when tossed in a crispy salad.
Here’s how to make the Winter Chickpea Salad
This vibrant and healthy salad is packed with roasted butternut squash, baby carrots, crispy chickpeas, and massaged kale, all drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing. Full of nourishing ingredients, it combines sweet, savoury and earthy flavours, complimented by the crunch of pomegranate seeds and toasted mixed seeds. Easy to prepare and full of vitamins, fibre, and plant-based protein, this dish makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, flavour-packed meal.
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Step 2:
Place the butternut squash and baby carrots onto a roasting tray. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, fennel seeds, Maldon Garlic Sea Salt, and black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until tender, golden, and slightly charred.
Step 3:
Drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with kitchen paper. We used Bold Bean Co Organic Chickpeas, but you can substitute with white beans, cannellini beans or butterbeans as they all have the same creamy texture and mild flavour. Spread them onto a second baking tray and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, and ground cumin. Season well and roast in the oven for 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
Step 4:
While the vegetables and chickpeas are roasting, place the kale into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and a big pinch of Maldon Sea Salt. Massage the kale with your hands to soften it, then set aside.
Step 5:
Prepare the tahini dressing by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, and seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Step 6:
Once the vegetables and chickpeas are roasted, assemble the salad. Toss most of the tahini dressing through the kale and transfer it to a platter. Top with the roasted butternut squash, baby carrots, and crispy chickpeas.
Step 7:
Drizzle over the remaining tahini dressing and garnish with pomegranate seeds and toasted mixed seeds before serving.
What to serve with your chickpea salad?
A winter chickpea salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:
Warm Bread
A delicious, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the salad and soaking up it’s tangy dressing. Try making a cherry tomato and pesto focaccia which is easy to follow and packs a lot of flavour. Alternatively, pairing the salad with a warm, garlic bread add a wonderful savoury flavour to the dish, and adds a tasty crunch to your meal.
Soup
A classic butternut squash soup is hearty in flavour and compliments the fresh, tangy salad. It’s natural sweetness from the squash balances the savoury notes of the salad perfectly.
Protein
As a plant-based option, try adding a few falafel balls to make the dish more substantial and completely vegan.
For non-vegans, grilled chicken makes a hearty, protein-rich pairing. You can also try pairing the salad with baked salmon. The delicate, butter fish is a great compliment to the crunchy chickpeas, roasted squash and baby carrots.
How long will the chickpea salad last in the fridge?
You can keep the chickpea salad in the fridge for up to four day in a secure, airtight container.
Any leftover tahini dressing can be stored a glass mason jar and refrigerate for up to 14 days, however it is best to consume within 5-7 days so that you can taste the tangy flavour. After refrigeration, the dressing can become much thicker and separate, so make sure to store before using again.
Can you freeze a chickpea salad?
You can freeze a chickpea salad for up to three months, but we don’t recommend this as the texture of the salad will change and loose it’s tasty crunchiness.
Any leftover tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 8 weeks. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container as liquids expand when freezing. When you want to use the tahini, thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before using as it can separate.
