Irresistible Pesto Salmon Chickpea Bowls Recipe You’ll Love

The aroma of pesto salmon chickpea bowls wafts through the kitchen, making your taste buds dance like they just heard their favorite song. Imagine tender salmon, bursting with flavor, nestled atop a bed of fluffy chickpeas, all drizzled with that vibrant green pesto—it’s a culinary love letter to your palate.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at weekend gatherings. Trust me; one bite and you’ll be hooked. The delightful combination of textures and flavors promises an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sharing this dish at my last family gathering was a hit; everyone raved about it and even fought over the last serving!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, skinless salmon fillets; they cook evenly and flake beautifully.

• Canned Chickpeas: Rinse well to remove excess sodium for a healthier option.

• Pesto Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought for convenience; either way, it adds rich flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose plump, juicy tomatoes to enhance the dish’s freshness.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds color and nutrients; consider using baby spinach for a delicate touch.

• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the flavors and brings everything together deliciously.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing or drizzling over your bowl.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make pesto salmon chickpea bowls

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter so you can easily access them as you cook. This step saves time and ensures you don’t forget anything essential.

Cook the Salmon: Preheat your skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Season salmon with salt and pepper before placing it skin-side down in the pan. Cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Sauté Chickpeas: In the same skillet, add rinsed chickpeas after removing the salmon. Sauté them until they’re slightly crispy, around 6-7 minutes. This adds great texture!

Add Vegetables: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and spinach with the chickpeas. Stir until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. The colors will make you smile!

Create Bowls: Layer chickpeas and sautéed veggies in bowls then place the perfectly cooked salmon on top. Drizzle generously with pesto sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the salmon first, allowing it to rest while you prepare the chickpeas and pesto. This helps everything come together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chickpeas for quinoa or add roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. It’s all about personal preference!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain texture.

Creating these pesto salmon chickpea bowls reminded me of my first cooking class where I accidentally set off the smoke alarm. Thankfully, my chef instructor was more forgiving than I expected!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for pesto salmon chickpea bowls?

Yes, frozen salmon works well; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

What can I substitute for chickpeas in this recipe?

Quinoa or lentils make excellent substitutes if you’re looking for variety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These bowls store well and maintain their flavor throughout the week.

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Pesto Salmon Chickpea Bowls

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Indulge in a vibrant bowl of pesto salmon and chickpeas that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. This delightful dish combines flaky salmon, hearty chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with rich pesto sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests, these bowls are not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy an explosion of flavors while keeping meal prep simple and enjoyable!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on your counter for easy access.
2. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
3. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then cook skin-side down until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, sauté chickpeas until slightly crispy (about 6-7 minutes).
5. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach; stir until spinach wilts (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Assemble bowls by layering chickpeas and veggies, placing salmon on top. Drizzle with pesto sauce and lemon juice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chickpeas with quinoa or lentils for variety. Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture.