Mediterranean Roasted Carrot & Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
This vibrant salad blends sweet roasted carrots, hearty chickpeas, peppery greens, and a creamy, nutty tahini dressing. It’s loaded with Mediterranean-inspired spices and textures, making it perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a satisfying vegetarian dinner. The roasted vegetables bring warmth, while the dressing ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish.
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thin diagonal pieces
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups arugula or mixed greens
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or chopped pistachios (optional)
For the Tahini Dressing:
3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 small garlic clove, minced
2–3 tablespoons water (to thin)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Carrots & Chickpeas:
In a large bowl, toss carrots and chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Roast:
Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until carrots are tender and chickpeas are slightly crisp.
Make the Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, and garlic. Add water a little at a time until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
Place arugula or mixed greens on a serving plate. Top with roasted carrots and chickpeas. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds or pistachios if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
Even Roasting: Cut carrots to a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Crispy Chickpeas: Pat chickpeas dry before roasting for a better crunch.
Dressing Consistency: Adjust water in the tahini dressing gradually so it’s thick but pourable.
Serving Temperature: This salad is great warm right after roasting, but it also works chilled for meal prep.
Batch Cooking: Double the roasted carrots and chickpeas—they make great toppings for wraps, bowls, or grain salads.
Variations
Add Grains: Serve over quinoa, farro, or couscous for a heartier meal.
Extra Veggies: Roast zucchini, red onions, or bell peppers along with the carrots.
Different Greens: Swap arugula for baby spinach, kale, or a spring mix.
Nut & Seed Options: Use almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds instead of sesame seeds or pistachios.
Spice Twist: Replace cumin and paprika with za’atar or ras el hanout for a different Mediterranean flavor profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may thicken—just whisk in a little water before serving.
Q: Can I use canned roasted chickpeas?
You can, but freshly roasted chickpeas tend to be crunchier and have better flavor control.
Q: How can I make this salad more filling?
Add cooked quinoa, bulgur, or couscous for extra bulk, or top with grilled chicken or fish.
Q: Can I make it oil-free?
Yes. Roast carrots and chickpeas with a splash of lemon juice and spices instead of oil, and use water to thin the tahini dressing.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 3 servings)
Calories: 310
Protein: 9g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 310mg
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Roasted Carrot & Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing is fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The warm spiced vegetables contrast beautifully with the peppery greens and creamy tahini dressing, while optional nuts or seeds add crunch. It’s a versatile recipe that works as a main or a side, and it’s easy to adapt for different diets and occasions.