Harissa Roasted Chickpea and Sweet Potato Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

This hearty salad brings together the warmth of harissa-roasted chickpeas and sweet potato with bright, tangy pickled shallots and sweet candied sunflower seeds. Tossed over crisp mixed greens and drizzled with a creamy lemon herb dressing, every bite is a balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Perfect as a filling lunch or light dinner, this dish is packed with protein and fiber. The homemade dressing and crunchy toppings elevate it from a simple side to a standout main course.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Feta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ChickpeasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sunflower SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Green Herb BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Sweet PotatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Harissa PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Buttermilk Ranch DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and dice the sweet potato into ½-inch cubes. Drain and rinse the chickpeas; pat dry.
3. In a bowl, toss sweet potato and chickpeas with harissa powder, 1 teaspoon cooking oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, thinly slice the shallot. In a small bowl, combine sliced shallot with 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt. Add enough hot water to cover; let sit for 10 minutes to quick-pickle. Drain before using.
5. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the sunflower seeds and remaining 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir constantly until sugar melts and seeds are coated and lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
6. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, buttermilk ranch dressing, juice from half the lemon, and the green herb blend (finely chopped). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted sweet potato and chickpeas, pickled shallot, and candied sunflower seeds. Crumble feta cheese over the top.
8. Drizzle with the creamy lemon herb dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Parchment paper

Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll, Non Stick Parchment Paper for Cooking and Baking, Oven Safe up to 425 Degrees, Chlorine-Free, 45 Feet x 12 Inches, 45 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper for Baking, Cooking, Oven Safe, 15 inches, 90 Sq Ft Roll, 1 PackView on AmazonReynolds Kitchens Stay Flat Parchment Paper Roll, Non Curling Baking Parchment Paper for Baking and Cooking, Oven Safe up to 425 Degrees, 36 Feet x 15 Inches, 45 Total Sq. Ft.View on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Small skillet

AmazonShop popular Small skillet on AmazonView on Amazon

Large bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Chef's knife

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Unique Gifts for Men and Women, Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Gift Box, Fathers GiftsView on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8 Inch - Swiss Army Kitchen Knife, High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, Non-Slip Fibrox Handle, Dishwasher Safe, BlackView on AmazonPAUDIN Chef Knife, 8 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Sharp Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Gift Box for Family & RestaurantView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can roast the chickpeas and sweet potato, pickle the shallot, and make the dressing up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese or crumbled queso fresco would work well. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check the labels of your buttermilk ranch dressing to ensure it’s gluten-free.