Chickpea and Spinach Salad (gluten free)

This chickpea and spinach salad is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It is packed with nutrients and is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. This Chickpea and Spinach Salad recipe is gluten free, dairy free, nut free, low carb and low fat.

The Chickpea and Spinach Salad is made with roasted chickpeas, sweet potato cubes, apple maple chicken sausage, and spinach. The chickpeas and sweet potato are roasted in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy, and the chicken sausage is cooked in an air fryer. The salad is then tossed with a simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. I love to use apple maple chicken sausage for a fall flavor but you can also substitute a different type of sausage, such as another flavor chicken sausage, turkey sausage or chorizo.

If you are looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy meal, this chickpea and spinach salad is the perfect choice for you. It is sure to become a new favorite!

why you’ll love this recipe

• This salad is also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
• It is packed with spinach, sweet potato, and chickpeas, which are all good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• The apple maple chicken sausage adds a touch of protein, making this Chickpea and Spinach Salad a complete meal.
• To prep the toppings ahead of time: The toppings for the salad can be prepped ahead of time. The chickpeas and sweet potato can be roasted and the chicken sausage can be cooked ahead of time. The spinach can be washed and dried ahead of time. When you are ready to make the salad, simply toss all of the ingredients together with the dressing.
• This Chickpea and Spinach Salad is so easy to make!
• You can also use any store bought dressing on this salad as well.
• The roasted chickpeas and sweet potato can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, so all you have to do is cook the chicken sausage and toss everything together.
• This makes it a great meal prep option, or you can easily make it in under 30 minutes on a busy weeknight.

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ingredients & substitutions

Chickpeas

Chickpeas have a mild, nutty flavor that is often described as being similar to potatoes. They can be eaten cooked or raw, and they have a slightly chewy texture.

Chickpeas are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are especially high in folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. Chickpeas are also a good source of iron, which is an important nutrient for vegetarians and vegans.

If you do not have chickpeas, you can substitute other legumes, such as lentils, kidney beans, or black beans in this Chickpea and Spinach Salad.

Spinach

Spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate. Spinach is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage.

If you do not have spinach, you can substitute other leafy greens, such as kale, collard greens, or arugula.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes have a sweet, earthy flavor. They are a root vegetable that is often roasted or baked.

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. They are also a good source of potassium, fiber, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage.

If you do not have sweet potatoes, you can substitute other root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, or parsnips. You can also substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for a similar flavor in this Chickpea and Spinach Salad.

Apple Maple Chicken Sausage

Apple maple chicken sausage has a sweet, smoky flavor. It is made with chicken, apples, maple syrup, and spices.

Apple maple chicken sausage is a good source of protein and iron. It is also a good source of B vitamins, such as niacin and vitamin B12. Apple maple chicken sausage is a good source of choline, which is an important nutrient for brain health.

If you do not eat meat, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegan option. You can also substitute a different type of sausage, such as another flavor chicken sausage, turkey sausage or chorizo.

Dressing

The dressing for this salad is a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the flavors of the salad.

The dressing is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. The lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. The Dijon mustard is a good source of potassium, which is important for blood pressure regulation. The honey is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

If you do not have any of the ingredients for the dressing, you can substitute other ingredients that you have on hand. For example, you can substitute balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice, or you can omit the honey if you are watching your sugar intake. You can also use any store bought dressing on this Chickpea and Spinach Salad as well.

taste & texture

The chickpea and spinach salad has a variety of flavors and textures that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The roasted chickpeas have a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor, while the sweet potato cubes are soft and sweet. The spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a delicate texture. The apple maple chicken sausage adds a smoky and sweet flavor, and the dressing gives the salad a tangy and slightly sweet finish.

The overall taste of the Chickpea and Spinach Salad is well-balanced and flavorful. The different textures of the ingredients also make the salad interesting to eat. The roasted chickpeas and sweet potato cubes add a bit of crunch, while the spinach and chicken sausage add a soft and creamy texture. The dressing helps to bring all of the flavors together and creates a cohesive and delicious salad.

directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

Step 4

Air fry the chicken sausage according to the package directions.

Step 5

To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

To assemble the salad, combine the spinach, chicken sausage, sweet potato, and chickpeas in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.Serve immediately or chill for later.

expert tips & tricks

• For a vegan Chickpea and Spinach Salad, omit the chicken sausage and use vegetable broth instead of olive oil in the dressing.
• You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the chicken sausage and sweet potato in the oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• This salad is best served fresh, but you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use canned chickpeas to save time.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the chicken sausage in the oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• If you are serving the salad immediately, you can add the dressing to the salad and toss it together. However, if you are storing the salad in the fridge, it is best to store the dressing separately and add it to the salad just before serving. This will help to prevent the spinach from wilting.
• You can also add other toppings to the salad, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots.
• If you are making a large batch of the salad, you can divide it into individual containers and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is a great way to have a healthy and delicious salad on hand for a quick meal or snack.

how to make this vegan

Use vegan chicken sausage: There are many different brands of vegan chicken sausage available, so you can find one that you like. To use vegan chicken sausage in this recipe, simply substitute it for the apple maple chicken sausage.

Omit the sausage altogether: If you do not want to use any sausage, you can omit it from the recipe altogether. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying without the sausage.

Tofu: Tofu is a good substitute for chicken sausage. It has a neutral flavor that can be seasoned to taste. To use tofu in this recipe, cut it into small cubes and roast it along with the chickpeas and sweet potato.

Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber. It can be used in place of chickpeas or lentils in this recipe. To use quinoa in this recipe, cook it according to the package directions and then add it to the salad along with the other ingredients.

how to serve & store

To serve: The Chickpea and Spinach Salad can be served immediately after it is made, or it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.

To store: To store the Chickpea and Spinach Salad in the fridge, combine all of the ingredients except for the dressing in an airtight container. The salad will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.

To prep the toppings ahead of time: The toppings for the Chickpea and Spinach Salad can be prepped ahead of time. The chickpeas and sweet potato can be roasted and the chicken sausage can be cooked ahead of time. The spinach can be washed and dried ahead of time. When you are ready to make the salad, simply toss all of the ingredients together with the dressing.

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