The crispy chickpeas on this salad are like croutons only more nutrient-dense, adding fiber and protein to the salad. 

Forbidden rice is a black rice from Asia rich in both taste and nutritional value. It is so named because it was considered the Chinese Emperor’s rice, and anyone else was forbidden to eat it. It has a rich, nutty flavor. Forbidden rice is a nutritional power house. It is full of minerals, specifically iron, and also a good source of fiber so it will keep you feeling full longer and promote healthy bowel movements. When cooked, it turns a deep purple color, revealing its anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids, or plant pigments, that have been found to have prominent health benefits. Some of the health benefits include protection against cancer, allergies, inflammation, heart disease and diabetes.

Ingredients:

Salad:

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 avocados, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup cooked forbidden rice

Dressing:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tsps honey
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBSP rice vinegar (if you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar in total)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Crispy chickpeas:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
• 3 TBSP avocado oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Spread the chickpeas on a kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry. It’s essential to make sure they’re totally dry before baking them (this helps ensure they get extra crispy).
2. Transfer the chickpeas to a parchment-lined baking sheet and toss them with avocado oil, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are really crispy. Toss half-way through.
3. Make dressing: Combine dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until combined.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine salad ingredients- lettuce, avocado, cilantro, and cooked forbidden rice.
5. Toss the salad with dressing.
6. Top with roasted chickpeas.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.