BBQ Chickpea Salad

This recipe is based on my favorite restaurant takeout salad. I absolutely love the Baja BBQ Salad from Baja Fresh. I order it without the chicken and add roasted veggies instead. It is so tangy, crunchy, and flavorful, but also very expensive! So, I decided to make my own version at home, and it turned out just as delicious for way cheaper!

RECIPE

(serves 2)

For the chickpeas:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1 T barbecue sauce

• 1 tsp. hot sauce (optional)

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp. chili powder

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Mix all ingredients together. Spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, just until carmelized and toasted. (I was able to bake mine in the toaster oven and it was much easier than heating my whole oven up.)

For the salad base:

You can use whatever produce you prefer or have on hand. These are just my favorites to use for this salad.

• Green kale and romaine lettuce, chopped

• Shredded carrots

• Sliced red bell peppers or sweet mini peppers

• Corn (I use thawed frozen white corn)

• Red onion

• Green onion

• Tomatoes

• Jicama (if you can get your hands on some!)

• Diced mango (when in season)

For the dressing:

Mix all together until smooth

• 2 T tahini

• 2-3 T barbecue sauce

• 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1/2-1 T sriracha (optional)

• 1/2 tsp. each of salt and pepper, or to taste

• 1-2 T water to thin to desired consistency

Additional topping options:

• Cilantro

• Avocado, diced

• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

• Pepitas

• BBQ sauce drizzle

• More lime wedges

ASSEMBLY

Place all ingredients in a large bowl. My preferred method is to toss the greens with a little bit of dressing so they're all coated, then add on all the other veggies, chickpeas, and toppings. I then drizzle on more dressing and a pretty zig-zag of BBQ sauce, garnishing with more green onion or cilantro. Make sure to include an extra wedge of lime with each serving to squeeze on right before eating!

I hope you enjoy this summertime salad and begin craving it as much as I do!