High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
A fresh and vibrant salad combining protein-packed chickpeas and tender spinach leaves, tossed in a creamy lemon-tahini dressing for a nutritious boost. This mediterranean-inspired high protein (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes blends drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, fresh baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 2 cups drained chickpeas, 5 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1/4 medium thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is High-Protein Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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