Have you been looking for a healthy, delicious and easy-to-make salad? Look no further! This Chickpea, Beetroot and Grilled Onion Salad is a refreshing option for lunch, dinner or even as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients, this salad is not only a treat for your taste buds, but also for your body. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of chickpeas
- 4 medium-sized beetroots
- 2 onions
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Peel the beetroots and cut them into small cubes.
- Place the beetroot cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the beetroot cubes in the oven for around 25 minutes or until they are soft and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the beetroot is roasting, drain and rinse the chickpeas and set them aside in a large bowl.
- Cut the onions into thin slices.
- Heat a griddle pan on high heat and grill the onions until they are slightly charred and soft.
- Add the grilled onions to the bowl with the chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to make the dressing.
- Once the beetroot is ready, add it to the bowl with the chickpeas and onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!
Variations
This salad is not only delicious, but also very versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to switch it up:.
- Switch out the chickpeas for lentils or black beans.
- Use sweet potato instead of beetroot.
- Add some feta cheese for a salty kick.
- Make it more filling by adding some quinoa or brown rice.
Benefits of the Ingredients
This salad is not only tasty, but also incredibly nutritious. Here are some of the benefits of the ingredients:.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber and folate. They are also rich in iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Eating chickpeas can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a low-calorie vegetable, high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is particularly rich in nitrates, which can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and boost exercise performance.
Eating beetroot has also been linked to better brain function, improved digestion and a stronger immune system.
Onions
Onions are a good source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.
Eating onions can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion.
Conclusion
This Chickpea, Beetroot and Grilled Onion Salad is a healthy and delicious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. Packed with protein, fiber and vitamins, this salad is not only good for you, but also incredibly tasty.
Give it a try and let us know what you think!.