Roasted Carrot, Chickpea and Spinach Salad Recipe: Vegan & Gluten-free!

Craving for a fresh, nutritious vegan dish that’s also gluten-free? Look no further, we’ve got the perfect salad for you. We prepared this beauty with baby-leaf spinach, roasted carrots, and chickpeas – using amazing seasonal organic ingredients.

Our roasted carrot, chickpea, and spinach salad is not only warm and packed with flavour but also brimming with health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, this dish is a must-try. With its vibrant colours and wholesome ingredients, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

In today’s post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this hearty and satisfying meal. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of this delectable roasted delight!

Humble Carrots: The Star Ingredient of This Vegan Salad Recipe

Carrots are the star ingredient of this delectable recipe, adding a burst of natural sweetness and a vibrant hue to the dish. To prepare the carrots, begin by slicing them vertically and spreading them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the slices with a generous amount of heart-healthy olive oil, and season with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of aromatic black pepper. Roast the carrots in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring they are tender but still retain a satisfying bite.

These bright orange beauties not only add a delightful flavor to the dish but also bring a host of health benefits. Packed with beta-carotene, an essential antioxidant, carrots promote healthy vision and a robust immune system. Their high fiber content aids digestion, while their natural sweetness provides a healthier alternative to refined sugars. In this recipe, the roasted carrots serve as a delightful complement to the other ingredients, infusing the dish with their unique flavor profile and nutritional goodness.

Pack in Some Nutritious Punch With Chickpeas In Your Roasted Carrots, Chickpeas & Spinach Salad Recipe

Chickpeas, another star ingredient of this recipe, play a crucial role in adding both texture and substance to the dish. These tiny legumes not only complement the sweetness of the roasted carrots but also bring a delightful nutty flavor to the mix. Before incorporating them into the recipe, it’s important to ensure that they are well-prepared to maximize their taste and texture.

To prepare the chickpeas, start by rinsing them thoroughly under running water to remove any excess brine or residue. This step is essential to eliminate the canned flavor and achieve a fresh taste. Once rinsed, pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they roast evenly alongside the carrots.

Chickpeas are not only a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with an array of health benefits. Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, they promote satiety and aid in digestion, making them an excellent option for those seeking a filling yet light meal. Additionally, their low glycemic index makes them a favorable choice for individuals managing their blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, these legumes boast a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and phosphorus, contributing to improved overall health and well-being. Incorporating chickpeas into your diet can support heart health, regulate blood pressure, and promote healthy weight management.

By infusing the chickpeas with a blend of aromatic olive oil, zesty lemon juice, refreshing mint, warm paprika, fragrant cumin, and piquant garlic, this recipe elevates the humble legume to new heights, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted carrots. The seasoned chickpeas infuse the dish with a burst of Mediterranean-inspired zest, making it a true culinary delight for both the palate and the body.

Cooking Chickpeas: From Canned to Crunchy Salad Delight

Cooking chickpeas at home can be a rewarding experience, but when time is of the essence, canned chickpeas come to the rescue for a speedy and delicious meal. To cook chickpeas from scratch, soak them overnight, then simmer for about 1-1.5 hours. However, if you’re looking for a quicker option, canned chickpeas are your best friend.

For a rapid and nutritious dish like Roasted Carrots, Chickpeas, and Spinach Salad, canned chickpeas are a game-changer. Simply drain and rinse them before tossing with carrots in olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. The canned chickpeas, already tender and ready-to-go, expedite the cooking process without compromising flavor or texture. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a vibrant salad that’s as convenient as it is delectable—a testament to the versatility of canned chickpeas in the kitchen.

Enhance Your Vegan Salad Recipe With a Rich, Creamy Dressing

Now, let’s talk about the heart and soul of this dish – the delectable dressing that ties everything together. Creating the perfect dressing is key to elevating the flavors of roasted carrots, chickpeas, and spinach. In this recipe, the dressing is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

To begin, gather your ingredients – Creme Fraiche, a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, crema di Balsamico for that tangy kick, freshly ground pepper for a hint of spice, and a handful of chopped mint leaves for a refreshing finish.

Start by whisking together the Creme Fraiche and olive oil until they form a smooth and creamy base. Then, add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste. Next, pour in the crema di Balsamico, allowing its rich and tangy notes to infuse the dressing with a tantalizing depth of flavor.

For a final touch, sprinkle in some freshly ground pepper, adding a subtle but satisfying kick to the dressing. Finally, toss in the chopped mint leaves, which will impart a refreshing and herbaceous aroma to the mix, complementing the overall earthy tones of the dish.

Once all the components are combined, give the dressing a good stir, ensuring that all the ingredients blend harmoniously to create a cohesive and tantalizing flavor profile. This luscious dressing is the secret ingredient that will take your roasted carrots, chickpeas, and spinach to the next level, making this dish a true feast for the senses.

Add the Final Touch With Mahler & Co’s Chornli Picker Seed Mix

To give the salad an extra crunch, we’ve topped it with an awesome seed mix. We use the Chornli Picker organic seed mix from Mahler & Co., a brand known for its premium quality and sustainable sourcing. This power mix of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, and hemp seeds is packed with energy and gives the salad a wonderfully nutty flavor and the vitality of spring!

To prepare the seed mix, we start by dry roasting the seeds in a pan over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. This process enhances their natural flavors and brings out a delightful aroma that will surely whet your appetite. Once roasted to perfection, we allow them to cool, ensuring they achieve that satisfying, crispy texture that complements the softness of the roasted carrots, chickpeas, and spinach.

This step might seem small, but it’s these thoughtful details that elevate the overall taste experience and showcase the commitment to using premium ingredients. The Mahler & Co’s Chornli Picker seed mix adds a touch of sophistication to the dish, making it a memorable culinary adventure for the palate.