There is a distinct crispness in the air.
Before the sun comes up… after that… hey, we are in the South.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Â The colors, the refreshing coolness… and the food! Â Everyone goes pumpkin crazy, but one of the best things out of Georgia in the fall is apples.
We make the requisite pies, doughnuts, compotes, cider, and various other treats, but I like to use them in savory dishes.  They add a great texture and a strange (but good) shot of sweetness to dinner salads.  I’ve been known to make them just for snacks.
The pecans and the chickpeas are another great texture add.  Lightly toasted in an Indian-inspired spice blend, the chickpeas become crunchy and flavorful – like a protein-rich crouton!
I have a little extra good to add this week.  I entered this recipe in a contest and it won!!!  Garnish & Gather selected this salad and is offering it as a ready-to-cook meal on their weekly menu.  I am incredibly honored, especially since they have attracted recipes from James Beard talent (like the meal I had for dinner in this post).
If you’re an Atlanta local, I suggest trying Garnish & Gather.  It’s fun for people who like to cook but don’t have the time (or inclination) to concoct their own recipes.  You pick up your bag at a convenient location with all the ingredients pre-measured and ready to cook!
My version below is tweaked from the one on the G&G menu. Â This is vegan, but you can add grilled chicken or any other protein of your choosing.
Spicy Apple & Chickpea SaladÂ
For the Kale Salad:
- 1 bunch kale leaves (4-6 cups), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 CÂ cooked chickpeas, rinsed and dried
- 4 Gala apples, sliced or diced
- 1/3 C pecans (or other nut/seed)
For the Chickpea Spice:
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Pinch ground cinnamonÂ
For the Salad Dressing:
- 2 T avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Juice of one lemon (~2 T)
- 2 tsp honey (or 2-3 drops liquid stevia)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Warm a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add chickpeas and spices, stirring to distribute evenly. Â Once coated and warmed (~3-4 minutes), drizzle a bit of oil over the chickpeas and toss to combine. Â Stir the chickpeas and adjust seasonings as desired. Â Cook 2-3 mins more to saturated with flavor. Â Remove from heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together salad dressing ingredients.
Place kale pieces in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with dressing.  Use your fingers to massage the dressing into the kale leaves for 1-2 mins, then set aside.  The kale will soften as it marinates.
Toss the kale with seasoned chickpeas, and top with apple pieces and pecans.  Optional add-ins include: chopped boiled egg, sliced avocado, or goat cheese.
Makes 4-6 servings.
How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂
***
I’m still grinning like a cheshire cat.
What is your favorite fall produce item?
Have you ever entered a recipe contest? Â This was my first!
Congrats on the Garnish and Gather thing. That’s pretty cool!
I love using apples just to add a little sweetness. They’re great in salads, and I also use them in curry dishes.
Thanks! I love them in curries too. Maybe I should try it in the curry recipe I did Wednesday… hmmm…
Oh wowie congrats on winning girl….I can’t say I’m surprised! This recipe screams fall! If fall existed in Mumbai, apples would undoubtedly be my favourite fall produce- I am yet to fall into the pumpkin craze!!
I like both… even better if you combine them and add bacon. Haha!
So exciting for you!!!!!! Look at you getting your strangebutgood creations mainstream. Love it
LLLLOOOOVE totally pinned this so I don’t forget about it and make it soon
Thank you! Let me know what you think if you try it!
CONGRATS! I can see why you run – loves fantastic! Pinning and making soon.
Congrats!!! I can’t say I’m surprised either!
YUM! I’ll be over for lunch. 😉
Please? 🙂
All my favorite ingredients-I love walnuts and avocado
Not surprised you are still smiling, CONGRATS! That is exciting! This salad sounds loooveeelllyyy! Yum! Butternut squash is my love though 🙂
Thank you! Butternut is another favorite… I always looks forward to using it in soups and shakes in the fall!
Oh this sounds fantastic. I’m so happy to see good apples back in the store right about now. I do think fall is a good season, especially in the south b/c you get that cool air in the morning but then are still able to enjoy warmer temps in the day (but they still feel amazingly better than summer). Perfect patio weather basically.
Yes! Football weather. 🙂
congrats! of course you won! you’re bad ass!
I’m with you – fall is the best! If only our hot AZ weather would cooperate…
The salad looks amaaazing! And a super huge congrats on winning the contest! You’re awesome!
Thank you so much! Hope it cools off for you soon… doesn’t it get pretty chilly at night at least?
Not yet!! We’re getting there though… The mornings have been a little cooler.
Congrats on winning the contest! Love the salad. Apples in GA? I thought they only had peaches there 😉
Ha! Actually, SC and CA are bigger peach producers. i think FL too. We have a TON of apples in the mountains!
That is soooo cool!! Congrats!!
I love the combo idea, apples and chickpeas. Brilliant.
Hi, I haven’t commented for like a year. But felt the need to tell you, I continue to read, and adore your blog all the time<3
Chickpeas, nuts and apples. Ooft! Must try.
I'm still harbouring an obsession with your cinnamon flax chicken…since the day you posted it. Lol.
I so appreciate this… thank you, Sarah! <3
And that chicken - I need to do it again soon! I'm thinking it would be good on salmon too.
YES! I’ve done it with cod- which I frankly find to be thee most boring fish- and it was still good. And salmon can do no wrong.
I actually consider you the Queen of making tasty protein.
LOL! You’re the best. 🙂
So cool to have your recipe featured – congrats! Definitely making this soon 🙂
Thanks friend! I think you’re my #1 customer. I appreciate you! 🙂
How awesome that you won!
That salad does sound amazing! I have roasted chickpeas in the oven, but I like this stovetop method. Congrats on your recipe getting chosen!
I’ve done both… I think they’re equally good. Th stovetop seems easier to me for some reason though.
I’m right there with you; all about the apple.
Congratulations on having your salad featured on their menu. That’s awesome and very well deserved.
Means a lot coming from you, friend. 🙂
I completely forgot to link up my recipe – I’m joining next week! 🙂
Doh! If I’d remembered I’d have done it for you.
Yum, I love apples and chickpeas together! Used to take it to high school and sneak eat away in class 😛
Your salad looks delicious, I will definitely be trying it!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru