Grilled Veggie & Chickpea Salad with Berries and Seeds

This salad is the perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, and creamy with the added bonus of being super healthy. The grilled asparagus, chickpeas, avocado, and blackberries create a colorful, satisfying dish. Plus, the seeds and roasted cashews give it a nice crunch that makes it feel like a treat.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup grilled asparagus (or other grilled veggies like zucchini or mushrooms)
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews (optional)
• A handful of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of dried herbs (oregano or basil works well)

Instructions:

1. Grill the veggies:
   • Grill or roast the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender (you can add any other veggies you like, such as zucchini or mushrooms).
   • Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
   • Slice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
2. Put the salad together:
   • In a large bowl, toss together the chickpeas, diced avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion.
   • Add in the grilled asparagus and gently mix everything together.
3. Make the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Add the finishing touches:
   • Sprinkle sunflower or pumpkin seeds, cashews, and fresh blackberries on top for crunch and sweetness.
5. Serve:
   • Dig in and enjoy a healthy, fresh, and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any time of the day!

This salad has everything you need: protein from the chickpeas, healthy fats from the avocado, and loads of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s light, filling, and packed with flavor!