Roasting beetroot enhances their natural sweetness and intensifies their beautiful color. Pairing roasted beetroot with chickpeas creates a wholesomely delicious dish that is both filling and nutritious.

This roasted beetroot and chickpea salad is perfect to add to your recipe repertoire. The crunchy texture of the chickpeas is perfectly balanced with tender roasted beets and the citrusy tang of the dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized beets, washed, dried, and cut into small cubes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Place the cubed beetroot on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the drained chickpeas with a little olive oil and roast for 10-15 minutes until crispy, but not burnt.
4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted beetroot, chickpeas, parsley, feta cheese, and walnuts.
5. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss until well coated.
6. Prepare a bed of mixed greens on a large serving platter. Place the dressed beetroot and chickpea salad over the greens. Scatter the sliced avocado on top of the salad and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The Benefits of Roasted Beetroot and Chickpea Salad:

This salad is not just delicious but also rich in health benefits. Here are a few reasons to add this salad to your meal plan:.

1. Improves Digestive Health

Chickpeas are rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Consuming fiber-rich foods regularly can promote healthy bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, and improve satiety.

The beetroots in this salad also contain fiber, which can improve gut microflora, thereby promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

2. Helps Regulate Blood Pressure

Both beetroots and chickpeas are good sources of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is an essential mineral that functions as an electrolyte in the body, balancing the amount of water in the cells and tissues.

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Adequate potassium intake can help lower high blood pressure.

3. Provides Heart-Healthy Fats

Avocado provides a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can boost heart health. Monounsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Walnuts are also a good source of healthy fats and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower the risk of heart disease.

4. Boosts Your Daily Vegetable Intake

One serving of this roasted beetroot and chickpea salad contains a good serving of vegetables, providing important nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Eating a diet rich in vegetables can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Conclusion

This roasted beetroot and chickpea salad provides a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make. Roasting the beetroot and chickpeas add depth and complexity of flavor to the salad, and the dressing provides the right amount of tangy sweetness.

You can make the salad ahead of time and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy the benefits of this salad while relishing its taste and flavor.