Dec 27, 2022 Brussel Sprout and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Brussel Sprout and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

This month’s superfood typically doesn’t get the same level of recognition as its popular distant cousin, kale. However, a closer look at the nutrient profile and health benefits of Brussel sprouts reveals why they are considered a “cold-weather superfood.” These mini cabbages contain more vitamin C than oranges and nearly twice the vitamin K you can get from red cabbage. They’re also low in calorie and high nutrients like folate, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Brussel sprouts can help combat inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and reduce the risk for certain types of cancer, due to their high antioxidant content and can be useful in managing weight and blood sugar levels, thanks to their high fiber content. This superfood can be enjoyed all year round and lends itself to tasty preparation styles like oven-roasting or can be enjoyed raw in a salad like this shredded Brussel Sprout and Chickpea salad served with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 can/15 ounces chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts (shredded)
  • ½ red onion (diced)
  • ½ red or orange bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon za'atar
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing

2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)

  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic (peeled and grated)
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Rinse the chickpeas and drain well to remove all the excess liquid. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Cut the stem end off each Brussels sprout and then slice in half. Place in a food processor and pulse a few times until shredded but not pureed. Add to the chickpeas diced red onion and bell pepper.
  3. Prepare the lemon tahini dressing by combining the sesame paste with the water and lemon juice. Grate in the garlic, using a fine grater, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you'd like a slightly thinner consistency, add an additional tablespoon of water.
  4. Toss the chickpeas and Brussels sprouts with half of the lemon tahini dressing (or more as desired) and the za'atar. 

Serving Information

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 

358 calories, 9 g total fat, 57 g carbs, 11 g fiber, 18 g protein, and 331 mg sodium per serving