Baked Carrot and Chickpea Salad

Healthy Za'atar Carrot Salad with Protein-Rich Chickpeas

Have you ever had one of those meals that’s so colorful it just makes you happy to look at it? This baked carrot and chickpea salad is exactly that kind of dish! It’s bursting with vibrant colors, amazing textures, and the most incredible blend of Mediterranean flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

I first made this recipe when I was looking for something different to pack for lunches during a particularly hectic week. My husband David is always asking for more plant-based meals, and both my kids Sophia and James surprisingly devoured it even with all those veggies!

If you’re looking for more easy, healthy meals the whole family can enjoy, you might also love my Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Baked Carrot and Chickpea Salad

Perfectly roasted veggies – The carrots and chickpeas get deliciously caramelized in the oven, creating deep flavors you just can’t get from raw ingredients
Meal prep friendly – Make it once and enjoy it for days! The flavors actually get better as they sit
Kid-approved vegetables – The natural sweetness of roasted carrots paired with crunchy bell peppers makes this a winner with picky eaters
Protein-packed – Thanks to those hearty chickpeas and pistachios, this salad is substantial enough to be a complete meal

Sheet Pan Baked Carrot and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Carrot Chickpea Salad

Roasted Ingredients

Carrots – I use about 3 cups chopped (from 1 small bunch). The natural sweetness of carrots intensifies when roasted, creating incredible flavor
Chickpeas – One can, drained and rinsed. These get wonderfully crispy in the oven!
Olive oil – Just enough to coat everything
Za’atar – This Middle Eastern spice blend adds such unique flavor
Paprika – For a touch of warmth and color
Salt and pepper – To taste

For the Dressing

Olive oil – Use the good stuff for this dressing, it makes a difference
Fresh lemon juice – From two whole lemons for brightness
Garlic – One clove, grated
Honey – Balances the acidity perfectly
Mustard – A little bit adds depth without being noticeable
Salt and pepper – Just a pinch of each

Additional Ingredients

Fresh dill – Finely chopped, adds incredible freshness
Pistachios – Roughly chopped for the perfect nutty crunch
Red and green bell peppers – Finely chopped for color contrast and crispness

How to Make This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Roasting the Carrots and Chickpeas

Baked Carrot and Chickpea Salad with Za'atar

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
On a sheet pan, combine the chopped carrots and drained chickpeas.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with za’atar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything until well coated.
Spread in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and starting to caramelize.

Every time I make this, the smell of the warming spices fills my kitchen! It reminds me of when I was trying to get dinner on the table and realized how much I actually enjoy the process of cooking simple, nourishing food.

Preparing the Dressing

While the carrots and chickpeas are roasting:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Whisk everything together until well combined.
Set aside to let the flavors meld.

The lemon dressing brightens everything up and brings all the components together beautifully. I like to make extra to keep in the fridge for quick salads throughout the week.

Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Roasted Carrots

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the roasted carrots and chickpeas (let them cool slightly first).
Add the finely chopped dill, pistachios, and bell peppers.
Pour the dressing over everything.
Gently toss until everything is well coated.

Roasted Carrot Salad with Chickpeas and Pistachios

Why We Love This Salad

Plant-based protein powerhouse The combination of chickpeas and pistachios provides a satisfying amount of protein, making this a meal that actually keeps you full.

Versatile for any occasion I’ve served this as a light lunch, a side dish at barbecues, and even as a holiday table option. It works beautifully in any setting.

Make-ahead friendly This salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to mingle, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings.

Variations on This Roasted Veggie Salad

Add feta cheese For a non-vegan version, crumbled feta adds a lovely tangy flavor that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Try different herbs While dill is my favorite here, fresh mint, parsley, or cilantro would all work wonderfully too.

Swap the nuts No pistachios? Try toasted almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.

Add grains Turn this into an even heartier meal by mixing in some cooked quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat.

What to Serve With Baked Carrot and Chickpea Salad

This protein-rich vegetarian meal works beautifully as a main dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for a protein boost
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake for a complementary dessert

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Salad with Lemon Dressing

FAQs

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing?

Yes, they are identical! “Chickpea” and “garbanzo bean” are two different names for the same legume. I typically use the term chickpeas in my recipes, but you’ll see both names on packaging at the grocery store.

What is the main spice in Moroccan food like this salad?

Za’atar is a key Mediterranean spice blend used in this recipe. It typically contains dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram mixed with sesame seeds and sumac. It adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s earthy, tangy, and slightly nutty.

How do I prevent my carrot salad from getting soggy?

Roasting the carrots and chickpeas helps prevent sogginess by removing excess moisture. If you’re making this ahead, you can store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.

Are chickpeas healthy or fattening?

Chickpeas are highly nutritious, providing protein, fiber, and essential minerals. While they are calorie-dense compared to some vegetables, they promote satiety and can support healthy weight management as part of a balanced diet.

Storage Tips

This sheet pan roasted salad will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight! Just give it a gentle toss before serving.

If you want to make this further ahead, you can roast the carrots and chickpeas up to 2 days in advance, make the dressing separately, and then assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.

This has become one of our family’s go-to recipes for busy weeks. My kids take down the whole bowl surprisingly fast for something so veggie-filled! I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does.

Let me know in the comments if you try any of the variations or if you come up with your own twists on this recipe!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Roasted Carrots

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