Roast the tray components up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Re-crisp in a hot oven for 8–10 minutes; whip tahini fresh just before serving.

28 September 2025

Cauli-Chickpea Salad + Whipped Red Pepper Tahini

Name: Cauli-Chickpea Salad + Whipped Red Pepper Tahini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1.5 tsp dried oregano (divided — 1 tsp for spice mix; 0.5 tsp for tahini); 1 tsp fine sea salt (divided — 3/4 tsp for spice mix; 1/4 tsp for tahini); 0.5 tsp black pepper (to taste); 650 g cauliflower (small florets); 240 g chickpeas (cooked, rinsed, well-dried); 45 ml oil (avocado or light olive oil); 50 g roasted red peppers (jarred, drained); 90 ml tahini (sesame paste); 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 0.25 tsp fine sea salt; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 60 g baby spinach; 50 g red bell pepper (chopped); 40 g red onion (finely chopped); 35 g sunflower seeds; 15 g fresh parsley (chopped); 6 g fresh dill (chopped); 16 g capers (drained); 2 tsp honey (optional drizzle); 2 tbsp tahini (extra, optional drizzle)

Caitlin Latessa-Greene adapted by JojoM

Cauli-Chickpea Salad + Whipped Red Pepper Tahini 🥗🌶️

If you love vibrant, satisfying bowls that feel indulgent yet nourishing, this cauliflower chickpea salad with whipped roasted red pepper tahini is a must-try. Crispy roasted cauliflower and golden chickpeas are tossed with fresh spinach, herbs, and a silky, smoky tahini base. Every bite is layered with textures—crunchy seeds, juicy peppers, briny capers, and creamy tahini.

This dish is naturally gluten-free, high in fibre, and meal prep friendly, making it a weeknight staple or a stunning centerpiece for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Salad ✨

Roasted to perfection – cauliflower caramelizes and chickpeas crisp beautifully.
Whipped tahini magic – velvety, smoky-sweet base from roasted red peppers.
Fresh & herby – parsley, dill, and spinach brighten every forkful.
Customizable – swap tahini if needed, or drizzle with agave instead of honey for vegan.

Pro Tips 🔑

Spread cauliflower and chickpeas on a wide sheet pan so they roast instead of steam.
Pat chickpeas dry—moisture prevents crisping.
Blend tahini with a splash of cold water if it feels too thick.
Not a fan of raw onion? Roast it on the tray for the last 10–15 minutes.

Serving Ideas 🍴

Serve warm, piled high over the whipped tahini on a platter, or enjoy leftovers cold the next day. This salad pairs perfectly with:

Toasted pita or flatbread
Grilled chicken or salmon (for added protein)
A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon

FAQ ❓

Can I replace tahini if I don’t like it?
Absolutely! Try plain Greek yogurt for creaminess (dairy) or cashew butter blended with lemon juice and water for a dairy-free swap.

How do I keep the chickpeas crispy?
Dry them thoroughly and roast in a single layer. Adding an extra teaspoon of cornstarch helps boost crunch.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—roast the cauliflower and chickpeas up to 2 days in advance, then re-crisp in a hot oven before serving. Whip the tahini fresh for the silkiest texture.

This cauliflower chickpea salad with roasted red pepper tahini is more than just a side—it’s a full-flavoured, nourishing dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. 🌿🥗🔥

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

55 mins

Servings

Tools Used

OvenParchment Paper Blender Or Food Processor Large Mixing Bowl

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Comments & Reviews

HealthyBae
9/28/2025
Another salad win! The whipped tahini is addictive.
A
9/28/2025
Colourful and fresh—bookmarking for Thanksgiving.
Apache Red Fox
9/28/2025
Making this tonight—already have everything in the pantry.
Elise Harlow | Dietitian
9/28/2025
Balanced, fibre-rich and packed with flavour. Love this!
Dani H
9/28/2025
Roasted the onion on the tray for the last 15 minutes—perfect if you don’t like it raw 👏

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 250–300 g)

Calories 290

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 18g23%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 600mg26%

Total Carbohydrates 21g8%

Dietary Fiber 7g25%

Sugars 5g

Protein 9g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.