Lately I've been loving those chopped salad kits from the grocery store for a quick and easy lunch. There are so many on the market now that there's always a new flavor to try and it's a great way to get your daily veggies in. The only downside is that they aren't the most cost-efficient choice, and since we're buying two sets of groceries each week now that I'm in Kansas for my clinical rotation, I'm looking for more ways to save.
This chopped salad will give you about three times the quantity of one of those salad kits for just about the same price! Of course it's loaded with colorful veggies, but my favorite addition is the roasted BBQ chickpeas. It gives both a variety in texture and a source of protein--something that I'm sure to include in all of my meals. My secret ingredient to making the chickpeas stand out? McCormick BBQ seasoning. I'm a BBQ fiend and after trying every BBQ seasoning out there, this one is the winner in my book.
In just about 25 minutes, with minimal effort, you can have a delicious, healthy salad to feed a crowd or a week's worth of work lunches. Perfect for a lazy meal prep Sunday. Plus it's full of fiber and micronutrients--what more could you ask for? Enjoy!
BBQ Chickpea Chopped Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
8 Servings
Ingredients
Salad
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp BBQ seasoning
1.5 C shredded Brussels sprouts
1 C romaine, shredded
1 C red cabbage, shredded
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 carrots, shredded
1 C corn
4 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
1 large avocado
1/2 C fresh cilantro
2 limes, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 C water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and BBQ seasoning. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While chickpeas are baking, add remaining salad ingredients in a large serving bowl and toss to combine.
In a food processor, combine all of the dressing ingredients except the water. Purée until smooth, adding water little by little until the dressing reaches a ranch-like consistency.
Toss the dressing in with salad and enjoy!
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