Spinach and Chickpea Salad
A refreshing and light salad featuring tender spinach, hearty chickpeas, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. A small portion of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying, low-calorie side.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- c.Season with salt and black pepper.
- d.Whisk again until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine the salad ingredients
- b.In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, rinsed chickpeas, diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- c.Gently toss the ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and serve
- b.Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad.
- c.Toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- d.Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For meal prep, store the salad ingredients and the dressing separately. Combine just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- 2Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the vinaigrette for extra flavor.
- 3Ensure the spinach is completely dry before adding it to the bowl; this helps the dressing cling better.
- 4If you don't have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly pan-sear a small chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper until cooked through, then dice it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the grilled chicken. You can add 1/4 cup of feta cheese for a savory, vegetarian alternative, though this will change the nutritional profile.
dairy freeDairy free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure no cheese is added as a variation.
gluten freeGluten free
This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity.
high proteinHigh protein
Double the amount of grilled chicken to 240g (about 8.5 oz) for the entire recipe to significantly boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which are important for bone health, vision, and immune function.
Good Source of Fiber
Chickpeas provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Lean Protein
The grilled chicken breast adds high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance, without adding excess fat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach and vegetables, fiber and plant-based protein from chickpeas, and lean protein from the chicken, all with a light, low-calorie dressing.