Salads & sides
Charred broccoli and chickpea salad with harissa dressing and toasted sesame seeds for spice lovers.
A vibrant, satisfying salad that marries smoky broccoli, hearty chickpeas, and a zesty harissa glaze, finished with sesame seeds, citrus brightness, and a touch of warmth to awaken curious palates.
Published by
Gregory Brown
July 16, 2025 - 3 min Read
The base of this salad is built on charred broccoli florets that blacken at the edges, releasing a faint smokiness that blends gracefully with creamy chickpeas. A simple dressing—harissa, lemon juice, olive oil, and a whisper of honey—ties the flavors together, adding heat without overpowering the vegetables. Roasted cumin seeds and toasted sesame seeds provide warm, nutty notes that echo the broccoli’s caramelization. The result is a salad that feels substantial enough for a lunchtime bowl and bright enough for a side at dinner. When you plate, sprinkle finely chopped parsley to introduce a herbaceous lift that counterpoints the harissa’s intensity.
To assemble, rinse and dry the broccoli thoroughly, then cut into bite-sized florets. Sear them in a hot pan with a little oil until the edges blister and the stems become tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, pat them dry, and toast them until their skins blister for extra texture. Create the dressing by whisking harissa paste with fresh lemon juice, a pinch of sugar, salt, and good olive oil; adjust heat by adding more harissa if desired. Toss the warm broccoli and chickpeas with this vibrant sauce, letting the flavors mingle. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and a scatter of chopped herbs; serve immediately or at room temperature.
Heat and smoke meet citrus, herbs, and sesame for depth.
A clean, dense texture emerges from the chickpeas when they’re dried well and heated in a dry skillet before the dressing. This step ensures the seeds of sesame don’t cling to moisture and hamper crispness. The harissa dressing acts as a unifying layer, marrying the charred broccoli with the soft chickpeas while distributing heat evenly through the bowl. The sesame seeds add a delicate crunch that contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the legumes. If you crave more brightness, a quick squeeze of fresh lime can replace lemon or be added on top just before serving. The result remains balanced, neither overwhelmed nor dull, inviting second helpings.
For a heartier version, gently fold in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to introduce a subtle sweetness that plays against the heat. You can also add shredded kale or spinach for extra greens, or crumble feta for a tangy counterpoint to the harissa. If you prefer dairy-free options, consider a creamy tahini drizzle instead of cheese. A handful of chopped mint can lift the dish with a cooling aftertaste, while a few pomegranate seeds provide pops of bright tartness. This recipe remains flexible, preserving its core character while inviting personalized twists that suit different seasons and appetites.
Smoky broccoli and chickpeas harmonize with citrus and sesame.
This preparation shines as a standalone vegetarian main or a vibrant accompaniment to grilled proteins. The broccoli’s char creates a smoky backbone, while the chickpeas offer satisfying heft and texture. The harissa dressing delivers warmth without scorching heat, allowing you to taste paprika and cumin notes that emerge with each bite. Sesame seeds contribute a toasty finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. To balance the dish, consider adding a handful of arugula or watercress for peppery complexity. If using canned chickpeas, rinse well to remove excess sodium and oil, then pat dry to maximize crispness when searing. Fresh herbs brighten every mouthful.
When serving, a light drizzle of lemony olive oil over the top enhances aroma and sheen. Pair the salad with lemon wedges on the side to allow guests to adjust citrus brightness to taste. For meal-prep, refrigerate the components separately and combine just before eating to preserve crunch. Transporting this dish is easy if you keep the dressing separate; the broccoli remains vibrant, and the chickpeas stay moist but not soggy. Reheat briefly in a low oven if needed, but avoid microwaving, which can soften the char and dull the flavors. This approach keeps the salad lively across days.
Balanced heat, bright citrus, and toasted sesame harmony.
The smoking edge on the broccoli creates an instant memory in the mouth, reinforced by the toasty sesame and the nutty chickpeas. The harissa dressing acts as a conductor, guiding each component toward unity while letting individual flavors peek through. To further enhance complexity, consider adding a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch and warmth. A touch of cumin at the dressing stage deepens the aroma, echoing the seeds in the vegetables themselves. This dish thrives when served with a light grain such as bulgur, quinoa, or farro, turning it into a balanced, fiber-rich meal that sustains flavor without heaviness.
If you enjoy more pronounced spice, increase the harissa incrementally, tasting as you go. You may also blend a portion of the dressing with a small amount of tahini to create a creamy coat that clings to the broccoli florets. The chickpeas should always be cooked until just tender, not mushy, to preserve their shape and provide bite. Consider garnishing with roasted sesame oil drops to intensify aroma and a final pinch of flaky sea salt to brighten the overall flavor. The final plate should look as inviting as it tastes, with a glossy dressing and noticeable contrast between green, beige, and golden seeds.
Deep, smoky, citrusy, and sesame-forward with every bite.
For a fresher finish, add cucumber ribbons or thinly sliced radishes for crispness and color. The cucumber’s coolness offsets the harissa’s lingering heat, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to a wide range of palates. If you prefer a milder profile, whisk in extra olive oil and reduce harissa by half; you can always reheat gently to re-emulsify. The chickpeas should remain slightly firm, offering a pleasing textural counterpoint to the soft broccoli. The citrus dressing will brighten even the densest bite, ensuring the dish remains inviting from first glance to last bite.
A final flourish of herbs—curly parsley, dill, or chives—gives a fresh aroma and visual lift. You might also finish with a delicate dusting of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth. If you desire more protein, toss in a handful of crumbled paneer or feta, choosing a saltier cheese that stands up to harissa. The completed dish delivers a satisfying, savory experience that can adapt to different seasons and appetites, yet it maintains a distinctive flavor profile that diners remember.
This recipe is designed to travel well and still taste vibrant after a chill. A glassy dressing clings to the glossy surfaces of broccoli, while the chickpeas keep their bite, creating a satisfying contrast for bites of soft and crisp textures. If you have access to smoked paprika, dust a little over the top to amplify the smokiness without introducing additional heat. A handful of microgreens on top can offer a delicate peppery finish that refreshes the palate. The dish remains accessible to cooks with varying skill levels, rewarding patience with a deeply flavorful result.
As with many bold salads, the real elegance lies in restraint. Start with modest harissa and build gradually, tasting at each step. The key is to let the broccoli achieve proper charring without turning bitter, and to keep chickpeas from drying out during cooking. Once plated, the sesame seeds release a subtle nutty aroma that lingers pleasantly. With careful preparation, this salad becomes a dependable favorite for weeknight meals, picnics, and gatherings, offering warmth, brightness, and substance in every bite.
