Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Turmeric Dressing (Vegan)

This Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Turmeric Dressing is spring in a bowl! Crunchy air fried chickpeas, fresh seasonal radishes and cucumbers, sharp shallots, and the zesty dressing all topped with some sliced almonds make for one heck of a salad. Vegan friendly and naturally gluten free, this is the perfect healthy lunch for the warmer months ahead.

I’ll be honest...I’m not usually the biggest fan of salads. They're not typically my go-to when throwing together a meal, but there’s just something about this spring weather that’s had me craving fresh, seasonal veggies recently. I’ll also admit, a mouthful of crisp greens and vegetables makes me feel like the epitome of ~health and wellness~ too. Ya feel? 

The crispy chickpeas are definitely my favorite part of this whole ensemble. Seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, you’ll be popping them in your mouth by the handful before they even make it on the salad! But I do love that they’re almost like little croutons, with the added benefits of fiber and protein that come from chickpeas. In addition to adding a complete source of protein, the quinoa also helps to add some density to the salad, helping you stay satisfied and full longer. 

And now the most important part of any salad...the dressing. Made using lemon juice, turmeric, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and ginger, this dressing is so simple and delicious. It’s tangy, zesty, a little sweet, and has just a little spice to it. I am a biiiig fan. 

This salad comes together so quick and easy. I would recommend prepping it for lunches (just keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat it) or throw it together for a no fuss dinner. Works great on its own or as a side dish, and you could even toss some chicken or shrimp in for some extra protein if you’re not 100% plant-based. 

If you do give this Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Turmeric Dressing a try, be sure to comment below and/or tag me on Instagram and let me know how you like it! I really love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by!
Take Care xx
Slim

Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Turmeric Dressing (Vegan)

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes 
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa 

• 1 15oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp olive oil 

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 tsp cumin 

• Salt and pepper 

• 1 bag of mixed greens (about 4 cups)

• 5-6 small radishes, rinsed and thinly sliced 

• 1 medium cucumber, diced

• 1 shallot, sliced 

• ½  cup sliced almonds 

For the dressing:

• Juice of 2 lemons 

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup 

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 

• 1 tsp grated or minced ginger 

• 2 tsp turmeric 

Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss together the garbanzo beans, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Place the garbanzo beans in the basket of an air fryer and air fry for 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Open and shake about half way through. Should be crispy and a golden brown when done.

2. While the chickpeas are cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl, add the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and turmeric. Whisk together until well combined.

3. When the chickpeas are done add them to a bowl along with the mixed greens, quinoa, radishes, cucumber, shallots, and almonds. Toss together, add the dressing, toss a bit more, and enjoy!