If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal, this chickpea salad recipe with Tangy Tahini Dressing is your perfect go-to. Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and antioxidants, this salad is a nutrient-dense option that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
This no-cook recipe is ideal for busy days when you want something wholesome and fast. Plus, the homemade Tangy Tahini Dressing adds a burst of zesty flavor, elevating the salad to a restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required!
Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and healthy fats.
Diet-Friendly: Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Customizable: Swap or add your favorite veggies or protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Chickpea Salad Recipe
Organic Baby Spinach: A base full of vitamins and minerals.
Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and crunch.
Red Onion: Provides a zesty bite.
Avocado: Creamy and packed with healthy fats.
Cucumber: Refreshing and hydrating.
Organic Chickpeas: Rich in plant-based protein and fiber.
Tangy Tahini Dressing:
Tahini: A creamy sesame seed paste rich in healthy fats.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors.
Garlic: Adds depth and zest.
Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: Enhances the tangy flavor profile.
How to Make This Chickpea Salad
Prep the Ingredients: Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Dice the bell peppers, red onion, cucumbers, and avocado.
Assemble the Salad: Start with a bed of baby spinach, layer on the diced vegetables, and top with chickpeas.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to coat evenly, and serve.
Tips for Success
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, organic produce for the best flavor.
Customize: Add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or nuts for extra variety.
Storage: Store dressing separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.
Health Benefits
This chickpea salad is more than just delicious, it’s a powerhouse of nutrients! The chickpeas provide protein and fiber to keep you full, while the fresh veggies are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The creamy tahini dressing offers heart-healthy fats, making this salad a balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tangy Tahini Chickpea Salad
Julie Pace, RDN
This nutritious chickpea salad is packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and lots of nutrients that promote overall health. No cooking required. The homemade Tangy Tahini Dressing makes this salad even more nutritious and delicious.
Add spinach leaves to plate. Dice the remaining ingredients. Add diced veggies on top of spinach leaves. Add chickpeas on top. Drizzle with Tangy Tahini Dressing. Toss well and enjoy.
Tangy Tahini Dressing
In a small bowl, add minced garlic cloves. Add in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour over salad.
When it comes to enjoying a crispy, golden fry, nothing beats the satisfaction of making them at home. Homemade oven french fries are not only delicious but also a healthier, more sustainable option compared to processed, deep-fried alternatives. Here’s why you should swap drive-thru fries for these easy, homemade oven fries by Julie Pace, RDN:
The Benefits of Making Homemade Oven French Fries
Healthier Ingredients
Avocado Oil: Unlike the industrial oils used in processed fries, avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point, making it perfect for baking.
Russet Potatoes: You’re in control of the potatoes you use. Russet potatoes are a great choice for their fluffy texture and high nutritional content, including potassium and fiber.
Lower in Unhealthy Fats
Traditional deep-fried fries are soaked in unhealthy trans fats or industrial seed oils, which can contribute to inflammation and heart disease. Baking your fries in the oven with avocado oil significantly reduces unhealthy fat content while preserving flavor and crispiness.
No Hidden Additives
Store-bought or restaurant fries often come with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and excess sodium. By making fries at home, you know exactly what’s going into your food—simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients.
Customizable to Your Taste
With this recipe, you can season your fries exactly how you like. Julie Pace’s mix of oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne offers a flavorful twist. You can adjust the spices to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Family-Friendly and Fun
Making oven fries at home can be a fun, interactive activity with kids or family members. It’s an opportunity to bond and enjoy a healthier, homemade treat together.
Nutritional Advantages of Oven French Fries
Homemade oven fries are baked instead of fried, drastically cutting down on calories and unhealthy fats while retaining the satisfying crunch and flavor you love. Here’s how they compare:
Aspect
Homemade Oven Fries
Processed Fries
Calories
Lower (less oil used)
Higher (deep frying)
Fats
Healthy fats (avocado)
Unhealthy trans fats
Additives
None
Preservatives, flavors
Sodium
Moderate (adjustable)
Often excessively high
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Easy Oven Fries recipe is thoughtfully crafted to combine nutrition and flavor. The use of simple techniques like soaking the potatoes to remove excess starch and seasoning with a flavorful spice blend ensures the perfect texture and taste. Plus, baking at a high temperature delivers a crispy exterior with a tender interior, rivaling any deep-fried version.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Fries
Soak and Dry Thoroughly: Soaking the potato slices removes excess starch, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Be sure to dry them completely before seasoning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the fries for even baking and crispier edges.
Experiment with Dips: Pair these fries with healthier dipping options like guacamole, hummus, or Greek yogurt-based sauces.
Why I Love These French Fries
Homemade oven fries are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make alternative to processed, deep-fried options. By using wholesome ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe lets you enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s better for your body and the planet. So, preheat your oven, grab your russet potatoes, and treat yourself to a batch of these crispy, golden delights!
Easy Oven French Fries
Julie Pace, RDN
Coated with avocado oil and baked in the oven, these perfectly seasoned fries have the best taste and texture on the inside and out.
3mediumrusset potatoeswashed, peeled, and evenly sliced into 1/4 inch fries
1tspsalt
1tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsponion powder
1tspgarlic powder
pinchcayenne pepper
1/4 tspblack pepper
2Tbspavocado oil
Instructions
Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge sliced potatoes in it. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Rinse, drain and dry potatoes with a paper towel.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking pan with unbleached, compostable parchment paper. Set aside.
Place potatoes in a dry bowl. Drizzle oil evenly over potatoes. Next, sprinkle potatoes with oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir potatoes with fork or wooden spoon to make sure they are coated evenly.
Transfer potatoes to baking pan leave space between each one.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip potatoes to bake another 15 minutes or until desired crispiness.
Remove fro oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to plate and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Sweet, fresh corn on the cob rubbed in homemade herb butter always makes a flavorful, crowd pleasing side dish. Whether its oven-roasted or cooked on the grill, it's always delicious.
This delicious and refreshing watermelon salsa is quick and easy to make. It's made with sweet watermelon, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, onions, and avocados. Add in cilantro, mint leaves, and zest of lime & juice for more flavor.
Love the rich, warm flavors of apple pie but want to skip the extra sugar and fat? This Apple Pie Bites Recipe is the perfect solution! Made with flaky phyllo shells and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, this recipe gives you all the indulgent taste of traditional apple pie in a healthier, bite-sized form. Best of all, they’re ready in just 15 minutes, making them a quick and guilt-free snack or dessert.
Why Make These Apple Pie Bites?
Healthier Alternative: By swapping traditional pie crust for phyllo shells and reducing sugar, these bites are lower in calories and fat.
Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules or sweet cravings.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy these apple pie bites as a healthy dessert, a sweet snack, or a delightful addition to any gathering.
Ingredients For this Apple Pie Bites Recipe
Apples: Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and crisp texture.
Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, and lemon zest brightens the flavor.
Sweetener: Organic brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Phyllo Shells: Light and flaky, these shells keep the bites perfectly portioned.
Instructions:
Dice apples and combine with cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon zest, sweetener, and vanilla in a skillet. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
Bake phyllo shells at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them.
Fill each shell with the warm apple mixture.
Optional: Top with chopped pecans or dairy-free whipped cream. Serve and enjoy!
Why I Love This Apple Pie Bites Recipe
These apple pie bites are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings without all the excess sugar and fat. With natural ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re an easy and delicious option for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie—minus the extra sugar and calories!
Want to learn more about plant-based or vegan nutrition? Contact Julie Pace, RDN for personalized guidance on how to transition to more plant-based eating.
Easy Apple Pie Bites
Julie Pace, RDN
These flavorful, flaky phyllo shells filled with warm cinnamon apples taste just like an apple pie, but with less calories, fat, and sugar. Ready to eat in 15 minutes or less which makes them a quick and healthy snack or dessert.
