Mixed Greens with Chickpea Croutons (Printable)

A fresh mix of tender greens combined with crunchy spiced chickpea croutons and zesty dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chickpea Croutons

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Salad

08 - 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine, frisée)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1/2 cucumber, sliced
11 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1/4 cup shredded carrots
13 - 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

14 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
17 - 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
18 - 1/2 tsp salt
19 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat the chickpeas dry with a clean towel and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, mix the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, and radishes.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
06 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Top the dressed salad with the crispy chickpea croutons just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chickpeas stay crispy for hours, making it perfect for lunch boxes or a salad that doesn't get soggy.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free without tasting like you're sacrificing anything.
  • You can prep components the night before and assemble in minutes when hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Pat the chickpeas absolutely dry before coating them—this one step is what separates crispy croutons from chewy ones.
  • Don't dress the salad until the very last moment; add the chickpeas just before eating so they stay crunchy.
  • If making ahead, keep the components separate and assemble when ready to eat.
03 -
  • Keep your chickpeas in an airtight container for up to five days—they stay crispy and actually improve as the flavors settle.
  • Lightly toast your dried spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before tossing them with the chickpeas if you want even deeper flavor.
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