Rocket and chickpea salad with pesto dressing recipe
Light and peppery, delicate rocket leaves are the star of the show in this vibrant and healthy veggie salad. A generous serving of chickpeas and walnuts ensures plenty of protein and fibre, so enjoy this salad as a main, if you like!
See method- Serves 6
- 20 mins to prepare
- 194 calories / serving
- Freezable
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Healthy
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion, very finely sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 x 60g bags wild rocket
- 50g walnut halves, toasted
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 50ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 30g pack fresh basil
- 30g grated pecorino
- 2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained
- 1 large cucumber, finely sliced
- 2 x 220g packs cherry tomatoes, halved
Each serving contains
- Energy
- 815kJ 194.0kcal
- Fat
- 10g
- Saturates
- 2g
- Salt
- 0.3g
- Sugars
- 5g
of the Reference intake
Carbohydrate 15.6gProtein 8.3gFibre 7.3g
Method
- Toss the onion with half the lemon juice and a small pinch of salt in a non-metallic bowl. Set aside for 5 mins, stirring now and then. The onion will soften and turn pink.
- Meanwhile, blitz 60g rocket in a small food processor with the toasted walnuts, garlic, oil, half the basil and 2 tbsp water. Pulse to create a textured paste. Stir in the cheese; season. Spoon half the pesto into a bowl (set aside the rest for another recipe) and stir in 1 tbsp water and the remaining lemon juice.
- Toss 60g rocket with the onion and lemon juice, chickpeas, cucumber and tomatoes in a large bowl. Add the dressing and the remaining basil leaves. Gently toss together, then divide between 6 serving plates.
- Tip: The remaining pesto will keep in a jar in the fridge, covered with a thin layer of oil and a lid, for a week. Add to sandwiches or tarts, or toss through pasta.
- See more Salad recipes
Freezing and defrosting guidelines
Freeze pesto only. In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.
