Spiced Chickpea and Dolma Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Mediterranean salad featuring tender dolmas, spiced chickpeas, and a creamy lemon-tahini dressing for a refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes blends dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), romaine lettuce, chopped, cherry tomatoes, halved 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 300 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are fragrant and lightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 8 dolmas cut into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Step 4: Add the warm spiced chickpeas to the salad bowl and drizzle with the prepared lemon-tahini dressing. Toss everything gently until coated and serve immediately or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chickpea and Dolma Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Chickpea and Dolma 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 Spiced Chickpea and Dolma 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 Spiced Chickpea and Dolma 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 Spiced Chickpea and Dolma Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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