Hummus Crunch Salad

If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying salad that goes beyond the ordinary, the Hummus Crunch Salad is your new best friend. This dish brings together crunchy textures, tangy dressings, and the creamy allure of hummus, creating a perfect harmony in every bite. Packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, crisp iceberg lettuce, and zesty za’atar, this salad is not only refreshing but also a wholesome meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Hummus Crunch Salad has everything you want in a quick and wholesome meal: it’s effortless to prepare, bursting with texture, and layered with bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The chickpeas are lightly toasted with za’atar and garlic powder, infusing them with a fragrant aroma and a crispy bite that contrasts beautifully with the fresh veggies and creamy hummus dressing. The simple lemon-Dijon vinaigrette adds brightness and depth, making every forkful sing.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, whipping up a weeknight dinner, or serving a crowd, this salad’s versatility shines through. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free (just be mindful of your pita chips!) and can be customized easily, making it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of dietary preferences. Once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Ingredient List

• 1 (19oz/540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1 ¾ cups chickpeas total)
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon za’atar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup plain hummus
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups chopped iceberg)
• 2 cups matchstick carrots
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 cups pita chips

Kitchen Gear Checklist

• Baking sheet – for toasting the chickpeas with za’atar
• Mixing bowls – one large for the salad and smaller for mixing dressings
• Whisk – to emulsify the lemon-Dijon dressing
• Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy with spices and liquids
• Sharp knife and cutting board – to chop lettuce, parsley, and carrots
• Colander – to drain and rinse the chickpeas

Hummus Crunch Salad: How It’s Done

Step 1: Toast the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon za’atar, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are golden and crunchy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup plain hummus, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to your liking. Add 2 tablespoons water to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prep Your Veggies

While the chickpeas roast, chop your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Peel and julienne or buy matchstick carrots, then roughly chop the parsley leaves. Place all the fresh veggies in a large mixing bowl. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Pour the hummus dressing over the chopped veggies and toss gently to coat evenly. Add the roasted za’atar chickpeas and toss again carefully so they stay crunchy. Sprinkle extra za’atar over the top for an eye-catching finish.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Right before serving, toss in 1-2 cups of pita chips for that irresistible crunch. These chips add texture and make the salad feel like a complete meal. If you prefer, you can swap the pita chips for Homemade Croutons to add your own twist.

Seasonal Twists

• Swap iceberg lettuce for romaine or butter lettuce in spring for a milder crunch.
• Add diced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in summer for extra freshness.
• In fall, toss in roasted sweet potatoes or pomegranate seeds for sweetness and color.
• For a winter version, add roasted beets and walnuts for earthiness and richness.
• Try swapping matchstick carrots with shredded red cabbage for added crunch and vibrant color.

Mistakes That Ruin Hummus Crunch Salad

• Skipping the chickpea toasting: Without roasting, the chickpeas lack the signature crunch and flavor boost from the za’atar and garlic powder.
• Adding pita chips too early: Tossing pita chips in right away causes them to get soggy and lose their satisfying crunch.
• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can weigh down the crisp veggies and cause the salad to be mushy.
• Not rinsing canned chickpeas: Failing to rinse can leave a tinny taste and add unwanted sodium.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To enjoy your Hummus Crunch Salad at its best, store the components separately if you’re making it ahead. Keep the roasted chickpeas and pita chips in airtight containers to maintain their crunch. Store the chopped lettuce, carrots, and parsley in a large container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep the hummus dressing in a small jar or bowl, covered, in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep textures vibrant and fresh.

Ask & Learn

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This salad is naturally plant-based, featuring chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a hummus-based dressing. Just choose pita chips that don’t contain dairy or eggs, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have za’atar?

If za’atar isn’t available, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and a pinch of salt. This blend will mimic the earthy and tangy notes that za’atar brings to the roasted chickpeas.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, though iceberg lettuce provides the classic crunch and mild flavor that balances the hummus dressing. Romaine, butter lettuce, or even kale can work but may alter the texture and taste slightly.

How do I make the salad more filling?

Adding hearty ingredients like quinoa, cooked bulgur, or even some cubed avocado can boost the salad’s protein and healthy fat content. You can also serve this alongside a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a well-rounded meal.

Don’t Miss These

• Roasted Garlic Zucchini Hummus – a creamy dip packed with flavor to complement your salad sides.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – another chickpea-packed delight that pairs beautifully with your hummus crunch creation.
• Homemade Croutons – learn how to make your own crunchy toppings to keep your salads exciting.

Save & Share

Be sure to bookmark this page and share the joy of the Hummus Crunch Salad with friends and family. It’s a colorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make salad that fits perfectly into any meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a vibrant side dish, this recipe delivers every time.

This Hummus Crunch Salad is a celebration of textures and flavors that will brighten your table and satisfy your hunger. With its creamy dressing, zesty roasted chickpeas, and crisp veggies, it’s an irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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