Sunlight Roasted Chickpea and Spinach Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

A vibrant salad combining roasted chickpeas with fresh spinach and a tangy lemon dressing, inspired by the energy conversion of photosynthesis. This Mediterranean salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, fresh spinach leaves, and extra virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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

• 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). In a bowl, toss 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, tossing gently to coat.
3. Step 3: Once the chickpeas have cooled slightly, scatter them and 2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds over the spinach and tomatoes. Toss everything together just before serving for a fresh, nutrient-packed salad.