Mediterranean Chickpea & Chicken Salad with Ginger-Lemon Dressing
This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad combines tender chicken breast, protein-rich chickpeas, and nutrient-dense red lentils, creating a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for summer picnics or light lunches. The unique blend of Ras El Hanout spices elevates the flavor profile, while the zesty ginger-lemon dressing adds a bright, refreshing touch. Packed with wholesome ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and capers, this salad is not only gluten-free, corn-free, and nut-free but also a powerhouse of nutrition that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
3 (seasoned with salt and Ras El Hanout)
Ras El Hanout Spice Blend
3 tablespoons (for seasoning chicken)
dried garbanzo beans
1 (16 ounce) bag (cooked according to package directions or use 2 cans, drained)
red lentil
1 cup (cooked)
small onion
1 (diced finely)
diced sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup (add raw)
artichoke heart
1/2 cup (chopped finely (frozen or canned))
capers
3 tablespoons (add raw)
lemon
1 (zest only)
ginger
1 inch piece (grated finely)
sage
1 tablespoon (dried or fresh)
honey
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (for dressing)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh herbs (parsley, mint, fresh sage)
as needed (for garnishing)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Chickpea & Chicken Salad with Ginger-Lemon Dressing?
It is a vibrant and hearty salad combining tender chicken breast, chickpeas, and red lentils with a unique Ras El Hanout spice blend and a zesty ginger-lemon dressing.
What are the primary proteins in this salad?
The primary protein sources are boneless chicken breasts, dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and red lentils.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Does this salad contain nuts?
No, this recipe is nut-free.
Is the Mediterranean Chickpea & Chicken Salad corn-free?
Yes, this recipe is corn-free.
What spice blend is used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with Ras El Hanout, a complex North African spice blend.
How much Ras El Hanout spice blend is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of Ras El Hanout spice blend.
What ingredients are used in the ginger-lemon dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon zest, grated ginger, honey, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can substitute the 16-ounce bag of dried garbanzo beans with 2 cans of chickpeas, drained.
What type of lentils are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of cooked red lentils.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
While the base recipe includes chicken, it can be adapted for vegans by omitting the chicken and honey, relying on the protein from the chickpeas and lentils.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes added raw to the salad.
What kind of artichokes should I use?
You can use either frozen or canned artichoke hearts, finely chopped.
What is the purpose of adding capers to the salad?
Capers add a salty, briny flavor profile that complements the Mediterranean theme.
How much ginger is required for the dressing?
One inch of fresh ginger, grated finely, is required.
Should the sage be fresh or dried?
The recipe allows for 1 tablespoon of either dried or fresh sage.
What is the recommended vinegar for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What fresh herbs are recommended for garnishing?
Fresh parsley, mint, and fresh sage are recommended for garnishing the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for summer picnics.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this salad.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, due to the combination of chicken, chickpeas, and lentils, it is categorized as a high-protein meal.
What is the prep style for the onion?
One small onion should be diced finely before being added to the salad.
Do I use the whole lemon in the dressing?
The ingredient list specifies using the zest only from one lemon.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a powerhouse of nutrition packed with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Can this be eaten as a light lunch?
Yes, it is specifically tagged and described as a perfect option for a light lunch.
What kind of chicken breasts are used?
The recipe calls for 3 boneless chicken breasts.
How much honey is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1 teaspoon of honey.
Are there any specific dietary tags for this recipe?
Tags include gluten-free, healthy recipes, high protein, and mediterranean.
What seasoning is used in addition to Ras El Hanout?
The chicken is also seasoned with salt, and the overall salad is finished with salt and pepper to taste.