Description
A vibrant fall-inspired salad featuring crisp apples, peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and spiced cinnamon roasted chickpeas. This wholesome dish balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making it perfect as a light main or a satisfying side for seasonal meals.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
- Pinch of salt
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the drained chickpeas dry thoroughly using a paper towel to ensure they roast crisp.
- Roast Chickpeas: Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chickpeas become crispy and golden.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper to taste until emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine fresh arugula, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta or goat cheese if using. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine and Serve: Top the salad with the warm cinnamon roasted chickpeas. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all components. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For the crispiest chickpeas, serve them freshly roasted, but they can be roasted up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Walnuts may be swapped with pecans for a different but equally delicious fall flavor.
- For variation, try using pear slices instead of apples to complement the autumn theme.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
