“Doritos” Chickpea Salad

You’ve asked for more plant-based meals and this is a great one. As we move into Spring this is a filling, but light lunch or dinner. And, if you’re meal-prepping you can do all of this in advance and then assemble it when you’re ready.

I like chickpeas but I need them seasoned well to enjoy them. And, in my quest to eat more plants I’ve been enjoying trying on new flavors. I saw this combination that someone used on popcorn and I thought it would go great with air-fried chickpeas. I played around with the seasoning ratios and I like what I’ve found. I had a little extra seasoning leftover so I sprinkled it on the avocado in the salad. Although this doesn’t taste exactly like the cheese dust that graces your fingers after you’ve crushed a bag of Doritos, it’s pretty darn close and still super delicious!

I’m also wrestling with trying to find more sources of protein for my kids, especially my daughter. I was hoping she’d like these but she didn’t-her brother sure did though! He ended up snacking on the leftovers which made for a perfect afternoon snack for him.

“Doritos” Chickpea Salad

Ingredients

1 15 oz can of chickpeas

1.5 tsp Everything but the Elote Seasoning

1.5 tsp Chili Lime Seasoning

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

1 bunch kale, washed, de-stemmed, and chopped

1/2 Avocado, sliced

1/3 C sprouts tossed with a capful of red wine vinegar

2 radishes, sliced

1 green onion, sliced

1 sweet potato cut into chunky fries

Air-Fryer Chickpeas

*You can also roast these in the oven at 400° for 20-25 minutes.

*Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

*Toss with 1 tsp olive oil

*Place in air fryer and cook for 17 minutes at 380°.

*Shake the basket every once in awhile.

*Make the seasoning: combine 1.5 tsp each of Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote & Chili Lime Seasoning with 1.5-2 tbsp of Nutritional Yeast. If you want it “cheesier” add more nutritional yeast.

*When the chickpeas are crispy add them to a bowl, toss with 1 tsp olive oil, and then the seasoning mixture. Set aside.

*Peel the sweet potato and cut it into chunky fries. You can use any kind of sweet potato or yam. Roast @ 400 for 20 minutes or until done.

Make Dairy Free Ranch
* Quick DF ranch; 1/4 C mayo, juice of 1/2 lemon, dried dill, S&P

Slice your veggies!!! I chose to add tomatoes, green onion, avocado, and sprouts (which I tossed with red wine vinegar).

Massage the kale with a tbsp of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Don’t skip this step otherwise your kale will be tough and the dressing won’t hold to the greens. Add your desired amount of dressing.

Add kale to a large salad bowl, toss with df ranch, add the veggies & chickpeas and enjoy!