This vibrant salad features hearty brown rice, fresh baby spinach, and protein-packed chickpeas. Crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and crunchy pistachios add layers of flavor and texture. Crispy bacon crumbles provide a savory touch, all brought together with a zesty garlic and herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish!

Why You’ll Love it:

Packed with Nutrients– loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein from spinach, chickpeas, and brown rice and is naturally gluten-free.
Variety of Textures– this salad combines the crunch of cucumber and pistachios with the creaminess of feta and the chewiness of rice.
Balanced– this salad recipe offers a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
Versatile– great as a main dish or a side, and perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

ingredients for chickpea brown rice and spinach salad

Ingredient Notes:

Brown Rice– provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture; ensure it’s cooled before adding to salad to prevent wilting the spinach.
Baby Spinach– fresh and tender, adding a vibrant green color and a dose of vitamins.
Chickpeas– a great source of protein and fiber, adding heartiness to the salad.
Cucumber– adds a refreshing crunch and hydration; use English cucumber for fewer seeds.
Feta Cheese– offers a creamy and tangy flavor; can be substituted with goat cheese for a different twist.
Pistachios– provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; can be swapped with almonds or walnuts if preferred.
Bacon– adds a savory and smoky note; for a vegetarian option, use tempeh bacon or omit entirely.

Substitutions & Variations:

Brown Rice– substitute with quinoa, farro, or barley for different textures and flavor.
Baby Spinach– kale, arugula, or mixed greens can be used as alternatives.
Chickpeas– replace with black beans, lentils, or edamame for a different protein source.
Cucumber– try using bell peppers, zucchini, or radishes for a different fresh crunch.
Feta Cheese– swap with goat cheese, blue cheese, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Pistachios– use slivered almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds instead.

Make it Vegetarian– substitute bacon with tempeh bacon or omit entirely.
Make it Vegan– omit the bacon and feta, and use a vegan cheese alternative or additional nuts and seeds for added richness. Replace the honey in the dressing with agave syrup.
Mediterranean Twist– Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and a splash of lemon juice.
Asian-Inspired– Replace the dressing with a sesame ginger vinaigrette and add edamame and shredded carrots.
Mexican Style– Use black beans instead of chickpeas, add corn, avocado, and a lime-cilantro dressing.
Fruit Addition– Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.

ingredients for chickpea brown rice and spinach salad with garlic dressing

brown rice chickpea and spinach salad with garlic and herb dressing

Tips & Recipe Notes:

Ensure the brown rice is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting the spinach.
Toss the salad with the garlic and herb dressing right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Brown rice and bacon can be made ahead of time to save on preparation time. Both can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate for optimal freshness.

chickpea and brown rice spinach salad with garlic and herb dressing

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