Roasted Chickpea Salad

This Roasted Chickpea Salad is the perfect light and healthy summertime salad! Crispy, crunchy, and zesty, this Chickpea Salad is a delicious way to add some exciting flavors to your meal. With Oven and Air Fryer instructions, this quick and easy salad will become a family favorite.

You'll be obsessed with this summer salad, super charged with flavors from Roasted Chickpeas tossed with Garlic and Peppers. Sometimes served warm, when the Chickpeas come out of the oven and are mixed with the veggies, it's the perfect temperature to serve right away.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast - only take 15 minutes to prepare, with flavorful and easy roasting instructions
• Healthy - Chickpeas are full of fibre, protein (great for vegans) and low GI to keep you feeling full for longer
• Adaptable - served warm and cold, with many variation ideas to make this your own
• Mediterranean - perfect to enjoy alongside your Greek Meze Feast

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chickpeas - or Garbanzo Beans
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - fruity for best flavor
• Red Pepper - finely diced
• Fresh Cilantro - chopped, including the stems
• Garlic - minced for a flavorful kick
• Lemon - adds fresh flavor and acid to balance out oil

How to Make Chickpea Salad

1. Preheat - heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash - rinse the canned Chickpeas and place on a paper towel to dry (the drier the better). Remove any loose skins from outside of Chickpeas.
3. Drizzle - place the Chickpeas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Generously drizzle with Olive Oil.
4. Lightly Roast - place in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes.
5. Chop - finely dice the Red Peppers the same size as the Chickpeas. Chop Cilantro, including the stems. Mince 1 clove of Garlic and add everything into a bowl.
6. Toss - remove the Roasted Chickpeas from the oven and toss together with the chopped vegetables (including excess oil from roasting pan). Squeeze the juice of a lemon and season salt and pepper.
7. Serve - as a side salad or add protein to enjoy as a complete meal.

Crispy Chickpea Salad

If you love crunch from Crispy Chickpeas as much as I do, this is a great way to add texture and flavor to your salad. The contrast works well when you add additional vegetables like Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Avocados.

Oven Method

1. Preheat - heat oven to 400°F (200°C). 
2. Wash - rinse the canned Chickpeas and place on a paper towel to dry (completely dry to ensure crispiness). Remove any loose skins from outside of Chickpeas.
3. Drizzle - place the Chickpeas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Generously drizzle with Olive Oil (with a pinch of salt).
4. Roast - place in pre-heated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes until crispy.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat - heat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). 
2. Wash - rinse the canned Chickpeas and place on a paper towel to dry (completely dry to ensure crispiness). Remove any loose skins from outside of Chickpeas.
3. Drizzle - place the Chickpeas in a bowl and generously drizzle with Olive Oil (with a pinch of salt).
4. Roast - place Chickpeas in a single layer in the Air Fryer and roast for 10-14 minutes (10 minutes works for me, but others like it crispier).

Chickpea Salad Variations

This is a super easy salad, full of protein and flavor that's filling. Plus, you can personalize Chickpeas by adding your favorite vegetables. Here are great flavor suggestions.

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad - add Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese and Red Onion
• Avocado Chickpea Salad - toss with diced Avocado and diced Cucumber
• Mexican Chickpea Salad - add finely diced, de-seeded Jalapeño Peppers, Avocado, Red Onion, Cilantro and Cumin
• Garden Salad - toss with shredded Romaine Lettuce, Arugula, Kale or your favorite Leafy Green
• Spicy Chickpea Salad - drizzle and toss with Sriracha Sauce or Tabasco for a spicy kick

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Add Spices - sprinkle with your favorite Mediterranean spices - like Zaatar, Cumin or Sumac
• Cheese Cubes - toss through cubed Feta cheese, Cheddar or Halloumi
• Italian Dressing - for extra zest, flavor with Italian dressing to add to the Mediterranean flavor
• Try Protein - add Grilled Shrimp, Beef Strips, Smoked Chicken, or Canned Tuna
• Fresh Herbs - substitute Cilantro with fresh Dill, Basil, Oregano, Parsley or Mint

Chickpeas vs Garbanzo Beans

Chickpeas are part of the legumes family and are also commonly known as Garbanzo Beans. They are the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Used in soups, stews, salads, and most famously in Hummus.

Can You Prepare Chickpea Salad in Advance?

Yes, it can be made in advance. If adding Leafy Greens, fresh Vegetables, Feta Cheese or using Crispy Chickpeas, toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Storage

Place in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Serve within 3 days.

Salad You've Got to Try!

• Olivier Potato Salad
• Greek Cucumber Salad
• Bell Pepper Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Chicken Cobb Salad
• 7 Bean Salad (perfect for large parties)
• Creamy Asian Style Coleslaw

Chickpea Salad or Garbanzo Bean Salad is a perfect way to boost nutrients and vitamins to your diet. Surprisingly simple to make, crispy or roasted, high in protein and easily customizable. Plus everything tastes better roasted. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted January 2020, updated July 2024