Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Are you ready to jazz up your salad game? I've been tinkering in my kitchen (aka my happy place!) and concocted a salad that's not just good for you, but also an absolute party in your mouth! Forget those sad, wilted lettuce leaves – we're diving headfirst into a bowl of vibrant, grilled goodness.
Introducing the Charred Veggie & Chickpea Dream Salad!
This isn't your average salad, my friends. We're talking smoky, charred aubergines (that’s eggplants for my North American pals!), sweet and juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, and protein-packed chickpeas that’ll keep you full and happy. And the best part? It's all plant-based, so it’s a win for your body and the planet!
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Salad:
- Smoky Flavors: Grilling the veggies brings out an incredible smoky sweetness that will have your taste buds doing the tango.
- Plant Powerhouse: This salad is bursting with plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you energized and satisfied.
- Easy Peasy: This recipe is super simple to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal, pronto!
- Totally Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add a sprinkle of your favorite spices. The kitchen is your playground!
- The crunch factor We use fried flatbread to give a satisfying crunch to every bite
Let’s Get Cooking!
What you'll need
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For the Dreamy Dressing: We're ditching the boring store-bought stuff for a zesty, herbaceous homemade dressing with lots of fresh herbs, lemon zest and spices. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- A generous handful of fresh coriander and parsley.
- A clove of garlic (because garlic makes everything better).
- A pinch of cardamom, cumin, coriander, and chilli flakes.
- A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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For the Salad Spectacular:
- A large eggplant, sliced and ready to grill.
- A can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
- A bunch of cherry tomatoes, halved.
- A couple of spring onions, thinly sliced.
- A handful of stale flatbread, cut into crouton-sized pieces
How to Make the Magic Happen:
- Dressing Time: Toss all dressing ingredients in a mini food processor and blitz until smooth, set aside.
- Grill Master: Brush the aubergine and tomato halves with a little olive oil and get them nice and charred on a griddle pan or BBQ.
- Crispy Croutons Fry or toast your stale flatbread until golden and crispy, set aside.
- Assemble: Toss the cooked chickpeas in a little dressing and arrange everything on a platter, then drizzle with the remaining dressing. Then top with the croutons for that satisfying crunch.
- Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle a little extra coriander over and serve immediately. This is a celebration of flavors, so dig in!
Make It Your Own:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Swap the Veggies: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious!
- Add some nuts Some toasted almonds would make a perfect and healthy addition if you are avoiding the bread.
This Charred Veggie & Chickpea Dream Salad is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that will leave you feeling fantastic. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, get your grill on and let me know how you enjoy this recipe!
Happy cooking, everyone!