This Roasted Cauliflower Chickpea Salad with Kale & Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas add texture, while kale, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber bring freshness. A creamy lemon-tahini dressing ties everything together with a rich, tangy flavour. Topped with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch, this salad is perfect as a nourishing lunch or light dinner. Packed with plant-based protein, fibre, and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that keeps you feeling full and energized. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup kale, chopped (massaged with a little lemon juice for tenderness)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
- ½ tsp maple syrup or honey (optional for balance)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Roast the Cauliflower & Chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower and chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.
- Massage the Kale: While roasting, place chopped kale in a bowl. Drizzle with a little lemon juice and gently massage for 1–2 minutes to soften.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic powder, and a touch of maple syrup if using. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kale, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss well.
- Finish & Serve: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving (recipe makes 1 serving): 360 Calories; 12.5g Protein; 38g Carbs; 16g Fat; 7.8g Sugar; 11.6g Fiber
