Basics: Crispy Chickpea Simpleton Salad

Remember when we ate ALL the cookies, bread, cakes, mashed potatoes, gravy & drank wine every day like it was our birthday?  Also known as the month of December.  Well, if you’re still on (or trying to get back on) the healthy kick of 2019 this is a basic recipe for you.

Don’t think I forgot about my BASIC food posts, those recipes easily carry me through busy work weeks.  When you’re trying to eat right & be healthy, eating at home is the best way to accomplish that.  The hard part is finding something healthy you can throw together for a quick lunch or after a long day of work.  You require, BASIC.

Today, we’re going to the GREEN side of the grocery store.  I eat this salad for lunch all the time simply because it’s incredibly easy & I almost always have the ingredients on hand.  It also works GREAT accompanied by a bunless burger!

BASICS: Crispy Chickpea Simpleton Salad Recipe

Ingredients::

2 small heads of romaine lettuce (washed & dried)

1/4 C red onion (sliced super thin)

1/4 C Crispy Chickpeas (make your own, here // or buy my favorites, here)

1 tablespoon Olive Oil (my favorite, here)

1/8 tsp. Salt (one of my favorites, here)

1/8 tsp. Pepper

Directions::

Chop your washed romaine lettuce as thin as you can so it’s almost sliver size.  (See photos below for example.) This is obviously personal preference but I notice the thinner the lettuce, the better the olive oil, salt, and pepper coats the lettuce.  Once chopped, throw the lettuce in a large bowl.  Dump the olive oil, salt, and pepper on the lettuce and toss for 2 minutes.  Once tossed, taste & adjust as needed.  If it’s too bland, add a little more salt and toss again.  Then, throw in a salad bowl.  Top with the chickpeas and sliced onions.  ENJOY!

NOTES:

• A big bowl to toss the salad is essential!  It allows you to thoroughly mix the olive oil, salt & pepper – making the taste rich!  I never skip this step, even though it makes a big dirty dish.
• Let us discuss salt & pepper.  As you noticed, they are pretty essential ingredients to this recipe.  Invest in a GOOD salt & pepper.  Maybe a sea salt that is a little larger grain & cracked pepper that also is a little larger, less of a powder.  The larger the grain, the more flavor in each bite.  Next time you’re in the salt & pepper aisle at the grocery store find one that looks interesting & throw it in your cart.  I can’t express enough how a good salt & pepper will transform your meals. (One of my favorites, HERE)
• If this recipe tastes too bland, try better ingredients.  If you have quality ingredients, this recipe will taste great & be filling.  However, if you have poor ingredients – you’re going to hate it!
• Ingredient amounts can absolutely be adjusted to your preferences.  Prefer more of a crunch?  Add extra chickpeas. Need more olive oil or salt? Go ahead and add!
• You can always add on to this salad with ingredients you have available.  Think: chia seeds, lemon or lime, garlic, carrots, peas, or even alongside a Basic Burger!

Basic, right?  When you’re used to dressing it’s hard to get away from the ranch, I know.  How can olive oil, salt, and pepper be a salad dressing?  I’m telling you, it works.  Maybe you have to get used to it but once you do, it’s fucking good.  And easy, healthy, but most importantly – fast.

Have a great week & be thoughtful

Xx

++ Want more Basic recipes that are easy & fast? Don’t forget: 5 Ingredient Turkey Burgers, Crispy Chickpeas, Sweet Potato Fries, and the Wild Rice Melody!