Chickpea Taco Salad is an easy vegan dish that comes together with seasoned garbanzo beans and your favorite taco toppings piled high on a bed of lettuce.
I can't pinpoint the moment I became obsessed with chickpeas, but for at least the past two years they have been a staple in my diet. I love how versatile they are and how they can make their way into most meals. Think hummus, smashed chickpea and avocado toast, roasted in bowls with veggies, and so on! Chickpea tacos are nothing new around here, they're actually husband-approved!! We love sautéing chickpeas, making homemade tortillas, then topping the tacos with avocado and black bean dip.
In an attempt to switch up taco night and provide a healthier dinner, I prepared us chickpea taco salad with all our favorite taco toppings piled high on lettuce. If you prefer spinach, kale, or some other green - go for it. This salad has been on rotation because of how easy it is to throw together plus all the variations.
This chickpea taco salad quickly made its way into my heart for multiple reasons. First, it takes almost no time to whip together. That's awesome for those weeknights when I just don't feel like hovering in the kitchen for hours. Second, it's topped with all my favorite ingredients! It's filling, nutritious, and delicious. Third and maybe my favorite part of any taco salad, the crumbled tortilla chips! I just love em. Our local grocery store, Market Street, makes THE BEST seasoned chips. I should really learn how to make them at home because they are just that amazing.
The last awesome thing about this great taco salad is that your dinner leftovers will make the best lunch the following day. So what are you waiting for?
Chickpea Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bag lettuce (mixed greens, iceberg lettuce, spinach, etc.)
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- Homemade taco seasoning 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1½ teaspoons ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, dash of salt
- 1 can black olives sliced
- 1 can sweet corn drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 bunch green onion chopped
- ¼ red onion sliced
- 1 container cherry tomatoes sliced
- Optional toppings: Fresh lime juice, salsa, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and sauté for about 5-10 minutes.
- Season chickpeas with taco seasoning and continue to let cook.
- To assemble the salad, empty the bag of your favorite greens into a large bowl. Top with seasoned chickpeas, sliced black olives, corn, sliced avocado, chopped green onion, sliced red onion, and sliced cherry tomatoes.
- Serve the salad then finish it off with fresh lime juice, a scoop of salsa, and crushed tortilla chips. Store leftovers in a sealed container.
Amanda Dunn says
I love chickpeas! This salad looks yummy and easy. I can see why it would be on rotation.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks, Amanda!
Amanda says
I love taco bowls and chickpeas so this is a natural! I can't believe I've never thought of it. It looks amazing!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Woohoo, I hope you love it!!
Theresa Bailey says
What a healthy option to all the cheesy options that are usually associated with Mexican cuisine.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
YES!, 100%!!
Alisa Fleming says
Chickpeas are a lunchtime staple for us! I think this one is going on the menu.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oh yay!! So happy to hear that 🙂
Cassie says
This looks so yummy and healthy! This is a great substitute for black beans (especially because I'm allergic!)
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oh yes, without a doubt!
linda spiker says
What a gorgeous bowl! Love those chick peas!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks so much 🙂
Rachel says
I love taco salad. This looks like a great meatless alternative. So much healthy stuff.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yes, taco salads are my fave!
Jennifer says
This looks so delicious! I love also that it would be more cost efficient than using meat, as well as better for the waistline.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oh, totally! I hope you try it soon 🙂
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
This recipe sounds amazing! Definitely worth a try
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks, Paula! I hope you make it soon 🙂
Mimi says
A salad never looked so good! Yum
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oh, thanks so much!!
Jules Shepard says
I will be trying this...it looks beautiful and delicious!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks so much, Jules! Enjoy 🙂
hillary says
looks so healthy and good! i love chickpeas!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks, I hope you'll try it 🙂
Andrea says
I love chickpeas!!! And this is a much healthier take on the traditional taco salad. Totally making this for lunch today! Can't wait!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Let me know what you think 🙂 Enjoy!!
Vanessa King says
Yummy! I have a bag of chickpeas I need to use up and this is the perfect way to use them! I just need to remember to soak them first! Definitely pinning for later 😉 Nice twist to taco Tuesday!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay, enjoy!!
Jaclyn Musselman says
This salad looks like a perfect lunch option! I love taco salads but have never thought about incorporating chickpeas!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Absolutely, I hope you try it!