Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Caramelized Cauliflower and Earthy Chickpeas: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

This Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for anyone looking to spruce up their salad routine. The rich, caramelized cauliflower pairs beautifully with the earthy chickpeas, and the zesty orange vinaigrette adds a bright, refreshing touch. Topped with creamy avocado and crunchy almonds, this dish is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients -

- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets

- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and dried

- 1 avocado, sliced into cubes

- 1 small red onion, cut into half rings

- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

- 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

- 2 teaspoons paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)

- 1 orange (half sliced into cubes, 1/4 juiced, 1/4 zest)

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, preferably roasted

Instructions -

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower florets and chickpeas with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is well coated.

3. Spread the cauliflower and chickpeas on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until they develop a nice brownish char.

4. While roasting, prepare the "orange vinaigrette" by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice and some zest of 1/4 orange, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, avocado cubes, red onion, most of the parsley, orange cubes, and most of the slivered almonds.

6. Add half of the vinaigrette to the salad and mix well. Taste and add more vinaigrette as needed to suit your preference.

7. Garnish with the remaining parsley and slivered almonds. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy this vibrant, healthy salad that's packed with flavor and perfect for any meal!

Have you tried this? please let me know what you think in the comments! feel free to ask any questions :)