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    Hummusapien Β» Recipes Β» Salads Β» Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing

    ★★★★★ from 2 reviews

    Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing

    Published Apr 17, 2014 Β· Modified Nov 8, 2021 Β· by Alexis Joseph Β· 45 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    We found salad in a hopeless place. We found salad in a hoooopelesssss place.

    Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing // Hummusapien.com

    I'm not one to whip up a salad for lunch, or any meal for that matter. I blame it partially on my laziness, partially on lack of creativity, and partially on the difficulty of packing a salad in my lunchbox. Now that grad school is basically over, I've been treating myself to lunches at home. Like on an actual plate. Oh Tupperware, how I don't miss thee.

    Lunching at home opens up a whole world of possibilities. I can make scrambled eggs! Salad! Smoothies! It's the little things in life.

    I also blame this ensalada on berries being $1.99 this week. Since I buy enough produce to feed a family of four, I obviously bought three packages. The weird part is that I only eat the berries either on oatmeal or just by the handful. I actually prefer frozen berries reheated in the microwave on my oatmeal since the juiciness makes the oatmeal naturally sweeter, so lately I've just been shoving fresh berries in my face like it's nobody's biznass.

    Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing // Hummusapien.com

    But this salad. This salad is your biznass.

    I've eaten it every day for lunch for the past three days. Like I get excited to come home and eat it. It's that good. If it's just you at home or if you don't want to share, you can easily adjust this to one serving by just adding however many berries and almond you like. Keep the dressing in the fridge for future salading and the chickpeas in the pantry for snackities.

    Can we talk about the chickpeas for a sec. Maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas > croutons. I mean they just killllllll it.

    Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas // Hummusapien.com

    I feel like this salad would be the perfect picnic salad. I've never been on a picnic. I want to go on a picnic and eat almond butter and jelly sammies. All I want is a cute boy to ask me to go on a picnic.

    I mean I would totally bring this salad and seal the deal, ya know? Kinda like my Best Balsamic Vinaigrette, if I do say so myself.

    Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing // Hummusapien.com

    P.S. I may or may not be jamming to Classic by MKTO while I write this post...I don't hate it.

    I wanna kiss you like Prince!

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    Berry Spinach Salad with Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Alexis
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Cook Time: 35 mins
    • Total Time: 50 mins
    • Yield: 4 1x
    • Category: Salad
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    The perfect spring spinach salad studded with fresh berries, crunchy maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas and homemade balsamic.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas:

    • 1-15oz can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
    • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp grapeseed oil (or coconut oil, melted)
    • ½ tsp cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Dressing:

    • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp dijon mustard
    • 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

    Salad:

    • 8 cups of spinach
    • 1-6oz package raspberries
    • 1-6oz package blackberries
    • ½ cup roasted and salted almonds, chopped
    • 1 ripe avocado, cubed

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with a silipat or parchment paper. Drain and rinse chickpeas and then roll them around in a paper towel until they're very dry. The more dry, the more crunchy. The more skin that comes off the chickpeas, the better!
    2. In a medium bowl, stir together chickpeas, maple syrup, oil, cinnamon and salt.
    3. Pour onto prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, tossing around with a spatula every 15 minutes.
    4. Meanwhile, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. I like to add all the ingredients to a mason jar and just shake it until combined.
    5. Place the salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Toss everything together to combine. Pour dressing over top just prior to serving and stir to combine. Garnish with a few roasted almonds.
    6. Store any extra roasted chickpeas in an air-tight container. They will get less crunchy over time.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

     

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Leah Watson says

      April 25, 2015 at 10:47 pm

      This looks insanely good!!! You've been full of ridiculously yummy recipes lately!!!! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ Can't wait to try!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Kelli says

      September 01, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      I can hardly wait for these chickpeas to finish roasting! They smell amazing! I'm going to tryyyyy to save some for my salads this week πŸ™‚ I can't wait to get this salad in my belly! Love the blog! So glad I found it!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 02, 2014 at 9:51 am

        Awww thanks, Kelli! I definitely ate a large portion of the chickpeas before they made their way into the salad πŸ™‚ No shame, girl.

        Reply
        • Kelli says

          September 02, 2014 at 12:08 pm

          First off, I have to give props to your photography skills. I took 2 jillion pictures of the salad to send my husband (since I've been blabbing about this salad since I saw it on Pinterest 5 days ago) and none of them did this gorgeous salad justice, as your pictures did. Although I did end up licking my phone screen, that was only because I spilled some dressing on it πŸ™‚ Looooooved it!

          ★★★★★

          Reply
          • Alexis says

            September 03, 2014 at 3:47 pm

            Awwww I'm so glad to hear that, Kelli! I had the sun to thank for those pictures πŸ™‚ Good lighting is everythanggg!

    3. Darla says

      July 08, 2014 at 9:01 pm

      AAHHHH!!! Just had this for supper (but used apricots, grapes and garden lettuce). It was amazing!!!

      Reply
    4. Cassie says

      April 24, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      My life is seriously just looking for new salad recipes... I need to get over my fear of roasting chickpeas... they are so delicious. And I ALWAYS need a little crunch in my salad but constantly lack it. Pinning now!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 25, 2014 at 10:21 am

        Don't fear the chickpea!! I swear--they're not scary and they taste SO bomb roasted. They make salads dee-vine!!

        Reply
    5. Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says

      April 20, 2014 at 8:02 pm

      Those chickpeas sound phenomenal! I've never put crunchy chickpeas on a salad, but just on principle I have to agree >> croutons. Berries have been going on crazy sale here lately and I (for some reason) don't like just snacking on them, but still buy crazy amounts. This salad is the perfect solution!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 22, 2014 at 10:35 pm

        I swear--this salad is the solution to alllll my problems. It's been my meal of choice for days!

        Reply
    6. Melissa @ Nourish By Melissa says

      April 19, 2014 at 10:38 am

      This salad looks incredible! I love that you replaces croutons with roasted chickpeas....they probably taste even better too πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:21 pm

        I swear...the sweet crunch is totally irresistible! Now I can't imagine my salds without 'em πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Brittany says

      April 18, 2014 at 7:57 pm

      I would totally have this salad all up in my biznass. Hahaha I LOVE fruit on salads. And these chickpeas sound to dieeee for.

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:22 pm

        Right?! I love how the sweetness contrasts with the salty almonds and crunchy chickpeas. It's textural heaven!!

        Reply
    8. Ashley says

      April 18, 2014 at 3:35 pm

      I love adding roasted chickpeas to salads! I need to try these maple cinnamon ones! This sounds delicious with the berries and avocado!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:22 pm

        Thanks, lady! I pretty much add everything but the kitchen sink to my salads these days.

        Reply
    9. Shashi @runninsrilankan says

      April 18, 2014 at 11:09 am

      Dang - berries are $1.99 in your neck of the woods? Clearly I NEED to move!
      Yay for leaving-the-tupperware-on-the-shelf-and-eating-from-a-plate lunches! This salad is such a wonderful blend of flavors and textures AND colors!!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:25 pm

        Isn't that insane!? I've been buying a weird amount because I can't resist the price!

        Reply
    10. Khushboo Thadani says

      April 18, 2014 at 1:25 am

      I'm on a chickpea kick...in a big way. I feel like roasting 'em up is going to throw that kick out the park- I can't wait to try this out!! I feel you on not eating out of the tupperware- one of my favorite things about working from work may or may not be the plethora of lunch options and eating out of a freakin' plate..oh its the little things!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:26 pm

        Eating on a real plate is seriously underrated.

        Reply
    11. Matt @ Runner Savvy says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:01 pm

      Looks delicious!

      Reply
    12. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

      April 17, 2014 at 7:54 pm

      I'm so ridiculously addicted to roasted chickpeas -- it's not even funny. I love the idea of tossing them in a salad, but mine don't usually last long enough to make that happen! πŸ˜† Going to have to exercise some willpower and try to save them!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:27 pm

        Oh I believe it, sista! Your version is next!

        Reply
    13. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

      April 17, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      Okay...You've done it.

      I'm going to battle the chickpeas. Only because it's maple cinnamon roasted. They sound like something worth the physical pains.

      If you wanted to bring a salad in tupperware, just save those costco sized boxes for baby spinach.

      MKTO do NOT thank you.

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:29 pm

        The chickpea battle is SO on. Seriously, these are another kind of addicting! Bahah I can't even imagine the looks I'd get if I packed salad in those costco salad containers. Actually, people prob wouldn't even be surprised.

        Reply
    14. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

      April 17, 2014 at 6:34 pm

      I love roasted chickpeas! I've never put them on a salad though! Need to try that

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:29 pm

        It's kind of life changing πŸ™‚ Now I can't have a salad without them!

        Reply
    15. Allison @ Clean Wellness says

      April 17, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      I totally want to go on a picnic and eat this salad -with a cute boy πŸ˜‰ Roasting chickpeas and using them as croutons is about the best thing I've ever heard of. I love this! You're the chickpea whisperer!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:31 pm

        I thought this salad couldn't get any better...till I imagined sharing it with a hunk of a man. The chickpea whisperer....I love it!!

        Reply
    16. cheri says

      April 17, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Alexis, Great looking salad, love roasted chickpeas, but with maple and cinnamon....All I can think is that it sounds perfect with the spinach, great combination of flavors.

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:33 pm

        Thanks darling! It really does have a fabulous combination of textures and flavors.

        Reply
    17. Megan @ The Skinny-Life says

      April 17, 2014 at 1:21 pm

      I've never roasted chickpeas, but I've been dying to do so! It's been on my forever growing recipe list. It never occurred to me to put them on a salad though. This looks and sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:34 pm

        You've gotta try it! You may be addicted though, so beware!! They're a salad's best friend.

        Reply
    18. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

      April 17, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      Lunches at home... on a plate?!? Jealous. πŸ˜‰ I love making big batches of salads to take to work with me during the week. One of my favorite combos is berrie/spinach. I'm going to have to try those chickpeas though... they look amazing!!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:34 pm

        I know...living large over here!! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    19. Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says

      April 17, 2014 at 11:31 am

      Whoa girl, getting creative in the kitchen!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:34 pm

        Hehe guiltyyyy!

        Reply
    20. Lauren says

      April 17, 2014 at 10:48 am

      I love a good salad so this is one to add to the list. I have never put berries on a salad... I don't think dried cranberry's count... or do they?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:36 pm

        Cranberries definitely count! Fresh fruit is so sweet and juicy, though πŸ™‚

        Reply
    21. Jane Maiers says

      April 17, 2014 at 10:10 am

      Love your stuff! I am GF, cancer survivor (yeah yeah yeah!!!) and LOVE your recipes to help keep me healthy!!!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:37 pm

        Awww thanks SO much, Jane! I'm smiling from ear to ear!!

        Reply
    22. Davida @ The Healthy Maven says

      April 17, 2014 at 9:59 am

      Well no thanks to you I am now reliving my Calvin Harris days in my head aka Davs the rave queen in NYC who thrived off Cosi Salads. I've come a long way thank G! So long I discovered the greatness that is roasted chickpeas and I ain't ever going back. Chickpeas were .99 cents so I bought enough to feed the Duggar family for 3 years. Long lost soul sistassss

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:38 pm

        Bahhaah Davs the rave queen. Totes your new name. OMG when chickpeas are on sale I fill my cart with SO many and get a million and five weird looks. Long hair don't care!

        Reply
    23. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

      April 17, 2014 at 9:57 am

      I'm super lazy about making salads too; although, I really do love them! I really just need to take the time to do it because I absolutely love the sound of this one. It's so different, but looks amazing! And, by the way, raspberries just so happen to be my most favorite berry ever! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        April 19, 2014 at 7:38 pm

        Aren't raspberries the best? It's so hard not to eat the carton in one sitting!

        Reply

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