Description
Experience a burst of fresh flavors with this Caprese Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Basil Dressing. This vibrant, nutritious dish combines crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and hearty chickpeas, all drizzled with a fragrant dressing made from roasted garlic and fresh basil. Perfect for picnics, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this salad is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (for roasting)
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup white grape juice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20-30 minutes until soft. Allow cooling before peeling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peeled roasted garlic, basil leaves, white grape juice vinegar, honey or agave nectar, and remaining olive oil. Whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, and mozzarella. Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg