Fall harvest BBQ chickpea salad is my absolute favorite way to welcome autumn. I remember the first time I made it, the kitchen filled with the sweet, smoky aroma of roasted vegetables and perfectly coated chickpeas. It felt like pure comfort in a bowl! This recipe, with its tender kale, sweet apples, hearty potatoes, and vibrant broccolini, is a celebration of everything I love about the season. It’s a truly healthy fall BBQ chickpeas dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Salad
This salad is a game-changer for your fall meal rotation. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- It’s incredibly healthy fall BBQ chickpeas, packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors is absolutely irresistible.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal produce from the farmer’s market.
- This easy fall BBQ chickpeas recipe comes together quickly for busy weeknights.
- It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing option.
- The textures are amazing – tender kale, crispy chickpeas, soft potatoes, and sweet apples.
- It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a comforting embrace.
- Perfect for meal prep, making lunches a breeze!
Ingredients for Your Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Dish
Gather these fresh ingredients for a truly delicious experience. This harvest BBQ chickpeas for fall recipe is loaded with goodness:
- 1 can Organic Chickpeas, drained and rinsed – these are the stars, providing protein and that wonderful texture
- 1 bunch Organic Kale, massaged with olive oil – massaging tenderizes the leaves for a pleasant bite
- 2 medium Gala or Honeycrisp Apples, sliced – their sweetness balances the smoky BBQ flavor
- 2 medium Yukon or Yellow Potatoes, cubed – roasted until tender, they add a hearty element
- 1 bunch Broccolini, trimmed – or use green beans or asparagus for a similar pop of green
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for roasting and massaging the kale
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (gluten-free if needed) – choose your favorite smoky or sweet variety
- 1 tablespoon On Everything All-Purpose Blend (or your favorite herb/spice blend) – adds an extra layer of savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors
- 1/2 cup Chopped Cooked Candied Bacon (optional, plant-based bacon works too) – for a sweet and savory crunch
- 1/4 cup Dairy-free Parmesan (or nutritional yeast) – adds a nutty, cheesy note
- 1/3 cup Honey Mustard Dressing – a tangy finish to tie everything together
How to Make This Easy Fall BBQ Chickpea Salad
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for getting those lovely crispy edges on our vegetables and chickpeas.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the drained and rinsed chickpeas with 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce. Make sure every chickpea is coated in that delicious sauce. Spread them in a single layer on one baking sheet.
- Step 3: On a separate baking sheet, combine the sliced apples and cubed potatoes. Drizzle them with a little more olive oil, and season with sea salt and the herb blend. Roast for about 20-25 minutes. Then, add the broccolini to this sheet for the last 10 minutes of roasting. You want everything to be tender and slightly caramelized – the smell is amazing!
- Step 4: If you’re using it, prepare your chopped cooked candied bacon now.
- Step 5: While everything is roasting, whisk together your Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Step 6: Now for the kale! In a large bowl, add the massaged kale. If you haven’t massaged it yet, do so now with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil. Gently massage the leaves with your hands for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn a vibrant green. This step is crucial for making this fall harvest BBQ chickpea salad enjoyable.
- Step 7: Assemble your beautiful salad. Layer the massaged kale on a large serving plate. Top with the roasted BBQ roasted chickpeas fall harvest, apples, potatoes, and broccolini. Sprinkle with the chopped bacon and dairy-free parmesan. Drizzle generously with the Honey Mustard Dressing before serving. Enjoy this delightful harvest BBQ chickpeas for fall dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpeas
Want to elevate your fall harvest experience even further? These tips will ensure your BBQ chickpeas are absolutely perfect:
- Don’t skip massaging the kale! It makes a world of difference in texture.
- Cut your potatoes and broccolini into similar sizes for even roasting.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – a little extra salt or spice can make all the difference.
- If you don’t have an “Everything Bagel” seasoning, a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion works wonderfully.
What’s the secret to perfect BBQ roasted chickpeas fall harvest?
The key is a good coating of BBQ sauce and high heat. Make sure the chickpeas are dry before tossing with sauce and oil. Roasting them on a single layer ensures crispiness, not steaming. This helps create that irresistible texture for your BBQ roasted chickpeas fall harvest. For more tips on achieving perfect textures in your cooking, check out these recipes.
Can I make this harvest BBQ chickpeas for fall ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Prep components like roasting the vegetables and chickpeas up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the kale from wilting. This makes your harvest BBQ chickpeas for fall a fantastic meal prep option. You might also enjoy our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry for another make-ahead meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with this Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea recipe?
A common pitfall is overcrowding the baking sheets, which leads to soggy results. Ensure your ingredients have space. Also, don’t overcook the broccolini; it should be tender-crisp. Finally, remember to massage the kale properly to avoid a tough texture in your Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea salad. For more guidance on cooking techniques, you can explore resources on roasting vegetables.
Best Ways to Serve Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpeas
This versatile dish is wonderful on its own, but it also shines as part of a larger meal. For a complete and satisfying dinner, I love serving it alongside some crusty gluten-free bread to soak up any extra dressing. It also makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or a hearty vegan burger, really bringing those sweet and smoky BBQ chickpeas fall flavors to life. You could even serve it warm over a bed of quinoa for a more substantial grain bowl experience. If you’re looking for more chicken dishes, consider our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.
Nutrition Facts for Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Salad
This delicious salad is surprisingly light and packed with goodness. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially your chosen BBQ sauce and any optional additions like candied bacon. For more healthy eating inspiration, explore our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpeas
Leftovers of this delightful BBQ chickpea salad fall harvest are a gift for future meals! Once your salad has cooled completely, it’s time to store it properly. I like to use airtight containers, as they keep everything fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from transferring. You can store the assembled salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, I recommend keeping the components separate – the massaged kale, roasted vegetables and chickpeas, and dressing. This keeps textures optimal. If you want to freeze parts of this dish, the roasted chickpeas and vegetables can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, gently warm the components on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving the kale if you want to maintain its texture. This makes enjoying your quick fall harvest BBQ chickpeas easy anytime! For another great make-ahead option, try our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpeas
What makes this a “Fall Harvest” dish?
The name comes from the star ingredients that are abundant during the autumn season. We’re talking about crisp apples, hearty potatoes, and vibrant broccolini, all coming together with those delicious BBQ chickpeas fall harvest flavors. It’s a true celebration of seasonal produce!
Can I use different types of apples or vegetables?
Absolutely! The beauty of this harvest BBQ chickpeas for fall recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap Gala or Honeycrisp apples for Fuji or Pink Lady. Instead of broccolini, green beans, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts work wonderfully. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a kick, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpea coating is an easy way to amp up the heat. You could also use a spicier BBQ sauce or add some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. This will give you a wonderfully spicy fall BBQ chickpeas experience.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, this easy fall BBQ chickpeas recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can roast the chickpeas, potatoes, apples, and broccolini ahead of time and store them in separate containers. The massaged kale will keep well for a few days too. Just assemble and dress when you’re ready to eat.
Variations of Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpeas You Can Try
This recipe is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and needs! Here are a few ideas to get you started with your fall harvest BBQ chickpea creations:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of sriracha to the BBQ sauce mixture before coating the chickpeas. This gives you a delicious spicy fall BBQ chickpeas twist.
- Grilling Option: Instead of roasting, try grilling! Toss the seasoned chickpeas and vegetables with a little oil and grill in a grill basket until tender and slightly charred. This offers a lovely smoky flavor, perfect for those smoky BBQ chickpeas autumn flavor enthusiasts.
- Different Veggies: Swap the broccolini for roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato cubes. You can also add roasted red onion wedges for an extra layer of sweetness. These additions still make for a fantastic BBQ chickpeas with autumn vegetables dish.
- Creamy Dressing Swap: If honey mustard isn’t your favorite, try a creamy tahini dressing or a simple lemon vinaigrette. These alternatives still complement the savory BBQ flavors beautifully.
Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea: 2 Amazing Twists
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful vegan and gluten-free kale salad featuring BBQ-coated chickpeas, roasted apples, potatoes, and broccolini, all brought together with a tangy honey mustard dressing. This dish celebrates the best of fall harvest flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 can Organic Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch Organic Kale, massaged with olive oil
- 2 medium Gala or Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
- 2 medium Yukon or Yellow Potatoes, cubed
- 1 bunch Broccolini (or green beans/asparagus)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon On Everything All-Purpose Blend (or your favorite herb/spice blend)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup Chopped Cooked Candied Bacon (optional, plant-based bacon works too)
- 1/4 cup Dairy-free Parmesan (or nutritional yeast)
- 1/3 cup Honey Mustard Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chickpeas with olive oil, sea salt, seasoning blend, and BBQ sauce. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- On a separate baking sheet, combine sliced apples and cubed potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and seasoning blend. Roast for 20-25 minutes, adding broccolini for the last 10 minutes until golden and tender.
- Prepare chopped cooked candied bacon if using.
- Whisk together Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine kale with a squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil. Massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften.
- Assemble the salad by layering massaged kale, roasted chickpeas, apples, potatoes, broccolini, chopped bacon, and dairy-free parmesan on a large serving plate. Drizzle generously with dressing before serving.
Notes
- Massaging kale is key to tenderizing it.
- Ensure even roasting by cutting vegetables into uniform sizes.
- Customize with different apples or vegetables as desired.
- Always check BBQ sauce for gluten content if needed.
- Allow roasted ingredients to cool slightly before adding to kale to prevent wilting.
- Components can be prepped up to 3 days in advance and stored separately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Roasting, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


