Cauli-Chickpea Salad + Whipped Red Pepper Tahini
Caitlin Latessa-Greene adapted by JojoM
Crisp roasted cauliflower & chickpeas on silky roasted-red-pepper tahini, tossed with spinach, herbs, capers & seeds. Vibrant, satisfying, gluten-free.
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. 🌿🥗🔥
Cauli-Chickpea Salad + Whipped Red Pepper Tahini
Caitlin Latessa-Greene adapted by JojoMCrisp roasted cauliflower & chickpeas on silky roasted-red-pepper tahini, tossed with spinach, herbs, capers & seeds. Vibrant, satisfying, gluten-free.
Chef's Tips
Roast on a wide sheet pan so cauliflower crisps instead of steaming.
Dry chickpeas well; moisture reduces crispiness.
Adjust tahini thickness with cold water, 1 tsp at a time, until creamy.
Not into raw onion? Roast the onion with the tray for the last 10–15 minutes.
For vegan sweetness, drizzle agave instead of honey.
Tools Used
Oven
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Ingredients
Spiced Roast Cauliflower & Chickpeas
Whipped Roasted Red Pepper Tahini
To Finish & Serve
Instructions
Roast the Tray
- 1
Heat oven to 220°C/425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, cumin, 1 tsp oregano, paprika, 3/4 tsp salt and pepper.
- 3
Add cauliflower and dried chickpeas to the tray. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle the spice mix, and toss to coat evenly.
- 4
Roast 34–38 minutes, tossing 2–3 times, until cauliflower is caramelised and chickpeas are crisp at the edges.
Whip the Tahini
- 1
While the tray roasts, blend roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp oregano and pepper until silky.
- 2
If too thick, blend in cold water 1–2 tsp at a time until spreadable.
Finish & Serve
- 1
Remove tray; add spinach and return to oven for 2 minutes to wilt.
- 2
Toss in chopped red pepper and red onion.
- 3
Spread whipped tahini over a platter. Pile the warm salad on top.
- 4
Finish with sunflower seeds, parsley, dill, capers and optional honey/tahini drizzle. Serve immediately.
Comments & Reviews
Dani H
9/28/2025
Roasted the onion on the tray for the last 15 minutes—perfect if you don’t like it raw 👏
Elise Harlow | Dietitian
9/28/2025
Balanced, fibre-rich and packed with flavour. Love this!
Apache Red Fox
9/28/2025
Making this tonight—already have everything in the pantry.
A
9/28/2025
Colourful and fresh—bookmarking for Thanksgiving.
HealthyBae
9/28/2025
Another salad win! The whipped tahini is addictive.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 250–300 g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
