Crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, and shredded carrots form the base of this hearty salad, topped with warm chickpeas coated in a tangy BBQ ranch dressing.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Add 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion, 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Gradually add 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired dressing consistency. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more milk a little at a time.
Once the dressing is ready, set it aside or refrigerate it until you're ready to use it.
Prepare the Salad Base:
Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them on a serving plate.
Thaw the frozen corn by letting it sit at room temperature or running it under warm water. Drain it well.
Quarter the grape tomatoes by cutting them into four equal pieces.
Arrange the thawed corn, quartered tomatoes, and shredded carrots on top of the chopped lettuce. Set this aside while you prepare the chickpeas.
Cook the Chickpeas:
In a small skillet, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas with 3/4 cup of the BBQ ranch dressing you just made.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Keep an eye on the chickpeas as they can pop in the skillet. Cook until the chickpeas and dressing are warmed through.
Gently spoon the warmed BBQ ranch chickpeas over the prepared salad. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional estimates can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.Chickpea salad, when stored properly, will generally last:
In the refrigerator: 3 to 5 days. Store the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Without dressing: If you keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving, the undressed salad (lettuce, vegetables, and chickpeas) might last closer to 5 days. The lettuce might begin to wilt after a couple of days.
It's important to note that the lettuce might lose its crispness over time, especially after being mixed with the dressing. If the salad appears wilted, soggy, or has an off smell, it's best to discard it.