Ingredients
Vegetables and Legumes
- 6 oz broccoli florets (chopped)
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups baby arugula
Roasting Seasoning
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- Sea salt (to taste, approximately 1/4-1/2 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Dressing
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup quality olive oil
- 1 TBSP pure maple syrup (or honey as substitute)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/8-1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the broccoli and chickpeas, ensuring a crispy texture and rich flavor.
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain the chickpeas using a colander or sieve and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives.
- Dry Chickpeas: Pat the chickpeas dry using a clean dishtowel; the drier they are, the crispier they will roast.
- Arrange Vegetables for Roasting: Spread chickpeas on one half of a baking sheet and broccoli on the other half, keeping them spaced to promote even roasting. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss with hands to coat evenly.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chickpeas are crispy outside yet soft inside, and broccoli is tender.
- Season Chickpeas: While still hot, transfer chickpeas to a bowl and mix with ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well with a spatula or spoon.
- Make Dressing: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Shake the mason jar again before dressing the arugula. Mix well to coat leaves in dressing, then top with roasted broccoli and spiced chickpeas.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best flavor contrast between warm roasted vegetables and fresh greens.
Notes
- For crispier chickpeas, ensure they are dried thoroughly before roasting and spaced out on the baking sheet.
- You can substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing depending on preference.
- The spices blend adds a shawarma-inspired flavor; adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
- Leftover salad can be stored in the fridge but is best eaten fresh to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the dressing for optimal brightness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian