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A Fresh, Protein-Packed Salad That Actually Satisfies

If you’re looking for a salad that feels substantial — not like an afterthought — this High-Protein Carrot Ribbon Salad with Crispy Chickpeas delivers.

Tender wild rice, crispy roasted chickpeas, and bright lemon-mustard dressing bring structure and depth to naturally sweet carrot ribbons. It’s refreshing, filling, and balanced enough to work as a main dish for lunch or a vibrant side for dinner.

This recipe is built for home cooks who want real texture, clean ingredients, and a satisfying plant-based protein boost without complicated prep.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting chickpeas)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
• 2 tsp lemon zest (zest of 1/2 lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 medium handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 (15 oz.) bag carrots
• 2 tbsp toasted walnut halves, finely chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Wild Rice

Rinse the wild rice under cold water.

Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40–45 minutes, or until tender and slightly chewy.

Drain any excess water and let cool.

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2. Roast the Chickpeas

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Pat the chickpeas very dry with a towel. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Set aside to cool — they’ll crisp more as they rest.

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3. Make the Lemon Mustard Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Whole grain mustard
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Grated garlic
• Honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. The dressing should be bright and slightly sharp.

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4. Prepare the Carrot Ribbons

Using a vegetable peeler, shave the carrots into long ribbons.

Place them in a large mixing bowl.

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5. Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled wild rice, chopped parsley, and dressing to the carrot ribbons. Toss gently to combine.

Top with crispy chickpeas and finish with toasted chopped walnuts.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

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Why This Salad Is High in Protein

This salad combines:

• Chickpeas (plant-based protein + fiber)
• Wild rice (higher protein than white rice)
• Walnuts (healthy fats + plant protein)

Together, they create a balanced, filling dish that works well for vegetarian meal prep or post-workout lunches.

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Pro Tips for Best Texture

• Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting to get them truly crispy.
• Let the rice cool before mixing to prevent the carrots from softening.
• Add chickpeas just before serving if you want them extra crunchy.

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Make-Ahead Notes

You can:

• Cook the wild rice up to 3 days in advance.
• Roast the chickpeas 1 day ahead and store loosely covered at room temperature.
• Prep the dressing up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.

For best texture, assemble just before serving.

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What to Serve With It

This carrot ribbon salad pairs well with:

• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Warm pita and hummus
• As a standalone vegetarian lunch

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FAQs

Can I use a different bean?

Yes. White beans or cannellini beans can replace chickpeas, but they won’t get as crispy when roasted.

Can I skip the honey?

You can omit it for a less sweet dressing, though it helps balance the acidity of the lemon.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes. Store components separately and combine before eating for best texture.