Plant-Packed Rainbow Salad

Recipe:

Rainbow Tomato and Roasted Chickpea Salad with mixed grains + Dijon dressing

PLANT-BASED | GLUTEN FREE

Total time: 35 mins
Serves: 2

This salad is all about boosting your plant diversity and nourishing your gut. Packed with vibrant multi-coloured tomatoes and peppers—each colour counting as a unique plant variety—it delivers maximum nourishment in every bite. Roasted chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and a protein boost, for extra health!

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INGREDIENTS

Salad:

• 1 bag rocket + watercress

• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup tri-color cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 pouch mixed grains (e.g., quinoa, rice, or a blend)

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted chickpeas:

• 1 tin chickpeas (400g), drained

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, pat them dry, and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.

2. While the chickpeas are roasting, make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

3. Heat the mixed grains according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and leave to cool slightly.

4. Add the rocket and watercress to a large salad bowl, followed by the sliced red and yellow peppers, rainbow tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cooked grains.

5. Once the chickpeas are roasted and slightly cooled, add these to the same bowl.

6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently to combine.

7. Serve immediately, or for extra flavor, chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.