Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal comfort the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory fall flavors.
Nutrient-packed loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and antioxidant-rich veggies.
Texture harmony crispy chickpeas, tender kale, soft apples, and crunchy toppings.
Customizable easy to adapt for vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

BBQ ROASTED CHICKPEAS:
1 (15 oz) can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 cup premium BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend

ROASTED APPLES + VEGGIES:
2 medium Gala apples, sliced medium-thin
2 baby Yukon or yellow potatoes, cubed
Handful of broccolini, cut into florets
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend
½ tsp ground cinnamon

SALAD:
2 bunches organic kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped (green, red, or both)
2–3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Dairy-free parmesan shavings or freshly grated

HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING:
1 batch Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (205 °C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the chickpeas: Pat chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel. Toss with olive oil, sea salt, and all-purpose blend. Spread on one baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Remove, toss with BBQ sauce, and return to oven for another 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
Roast apples and veggies: On the second baking sheet, toss apple slices, cubed potatoes, and broccolini with olive oil, sea salt, all-purpose blend, and cinnamon. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway.
Massage the kale: Place chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and gently massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves are softened and vibrant green.
Assemble the salad: Add roasted chickpeas, apples, potatoes, and broccolini to the kale.
Dress and serve: Drizzle with creamy honey mustard dressing just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people.

Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~25–30 minutes
Total time: ~40–45 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to chickpeas before roasting.
Different grains: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice for extra heartiness.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for an added autumn touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store undressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days; keep dressing separately.
Reheating: Roasted chickpeas and veggies can be reheated in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes before tossing back into the salad.
Make-ahead: Roast chickpeas and veggies up to a day in advance and assemble salad right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work beautifully for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

What’s the benefit of massaging kale?

It softens the tough leaves, reduces bitterness, and makes the salad more pleasant to eat.

Can I roast the chickpeas without BBQ sauce?

Yes simply season and roast; serve plain or with a drizzle of dressing.

How can I make the salad more filling?

Add roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, or a scoop of cooked grains.

Is the honey mustard dressing sweet?

Yes it’s tangy with a touch of honey sweetness, balancing the smoky BBQ flavors.

Can I prepare this for meal prep?

Yes store components separately and combine just before eating to maintain freshness.

What’s the On Everything All-Purpose Blend?

It’s a savory seasoning mix that usually includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, herbs, and salt perfect for roasting vegetables and proteins.

Can I skip the cinnamon on the apples?

Yes but it adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.

How do I keep roasted chickpeas crispy?

Eat them shortly after roasting; they tend to soften when stored with dressing or in the fridge.

Conclusion

Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad celebrates autumn with a delicious mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. With caramelized BBQ chickpeas, cinnamon-roasted apples, tender veggies, and creamy honey mustard dressing, it’s a hearty yet fresh dish perfect for seasonal gatherings or weeknight meals. Each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make healthy eating feel like a treat.