Ingredients
Salad
- 1/2 pound broccolini (about 1 bunch)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 15.5 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cucumber
- 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (for garnish)
Creamy Herb Dressing
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Roast the broccolini: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Place the broccolini on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss with your hands to coat evenly. Spread the broccolini out in a single layer. Roast for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly charred on the ends. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: While the broccolini cools, combine basil, hemp seeds, garlic, lemon juice, water, olive oil, distilled white vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the baby spinach, drained chickpeas, chopped roasted broccolini, chopped cucumber, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Pour the creamy herb dressing over the salad. Use tongs or salad servers to toss everything together thoroughly.
- Serve and garnish: Sprinkle the top of the salad with the remaining hemp seeds for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and nutritious salad.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Pumpkin seeds can be toasted lightly on a dry skillet for extra crunch and flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- You can substitute broccolini with broccoli or asparagus if unavailable.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more water one tablespoon at a time while blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
