Why Make This Recipe
Chickpea arugula salad with lemon Dijon dressing is a fresh and tasty option for lunch or dinner. This salad is not only simple to make, but also very healthy. The combination of chickpeas and arugula provides protein and nutrients, while the lemon dressing adds a zesty flavor. If you love salads, you might also enjoy learning how to prepare an avocado salad with lime cilantro dressing as a refreshing alternative.
How to Make Chickpea Arugula Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing
Ingredients:
- 400g (1 can) Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 115g (4 cups) Arugula, fresh
- ¼ Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 250g (1 pint) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- ½ Cucumber, diced
- 1 Lemon, for juice and zest
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup (or honey)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, arugula, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill.
How to Serve Chickpea Arugula Salad
You can serve this salad as a side dish or as a main course. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken or fish. Adding some crusty bread will also make it more filling. The salad can also be served on a bed of quinoa or rice for extra texture.
How to Store Chickpea Arugula Salad
You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. Stored this way, the salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days. However, the arugula will lose its crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Chickpea Arugula Salad
- Make sure to rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium from the can.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your salad.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard to suit your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein, like feta cheese or nuts, to enhance the salad.
Variation
You can easily modify this salad by using different greens or legumes. For example, swapping arugula for spinach or adding black beans instead of chickpeas can create a new taste. You can also experiment with different dressings to keep things exciting.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad works great for meal prep as individual portions. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas are convenient and save you time. Just remember to rinse them before adding them to your salad.
Conclusion
Chickpea arugula salad with lemon Dijon dressing is a refreshing dish that provides plenty of nutrients and flavor. If you’re interested in trying another delicious salad recipe, check out this Chickpea Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan for more inspiration!