Spicy Chickpea Kale Bowl

Featured in: Healthy Everyday Eats

This bowl blends roasted spicy chickpeas with sautéed kale, brown rice or quinoa, avocado, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds. A zesty tahini dressing ties everything together, creating a wholesome, nourishing meal full of vibrant flavors. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, it suits vegan and gluten-free diets while delivering a satisfying texture and a touch of heat. Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner option.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:22:00 GMT
Spicy Chickpea and Kale Buddha Bowl topped with avocado and vibrant veggies, drizzled with tahini. Save
Spicy Chickpea and Kale Buddha Bowl topped with avocado and vibrant veggies, drizzled with tahini. | forkta.com

A vibrant, nourishing bowl filled with roasted spicy chickpeas, sautéed kale, and an array of fresh, wholesome toppings, finished with a zesty tahini dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans chickpeas: drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil:
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika:
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin:
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder:
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper:
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt:
  • 1 large bunch kale: stems removed and leaves torn
  • 1 tbsp olive oil:
  • Pinch of salt:
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa:
  • 1 large avocado: sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes: halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion: thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas):
  • 1/4 cup tahini:
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice:
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup:
  • 1 clove garlic: minced
  • 3 4 tbsp water (to thin):
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2:
Pat the chickpeas dry with a clean towel. Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and salt.
Step 3:
Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
Step 4:
While chickpeas roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kale and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 4 minutes until wilted and bright green.
Step 5:
Prepare the tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and enough water to reach a pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6:
To assemble, divide brown rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top each with sautéed kale, roasted chickpeas, avocado slices, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.
Step 7:
Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve immediately.
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| forkta.com

Required Tools

Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Large skillet, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Chefs knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains sesame (tahini). Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Double-check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if sensitive to gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 470 Total Fat: 20 g Carbohydrates: 56 g Protein: 14 g

Colorful Spicy Chickpea and Kale Buddha Bowl served in a rustic bowl, perfect for lunch. Save
Colorful Spicy Chickpea and Kale Buddha Bowl served in a rustic bowl, perfect for lunch. | forkta.com

Recipe FAQs

How are the chickpeas prepared?

The chickpeas are drained, rinsed, tossed with olive oil and spices including smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, then roasted until crispy.

How is the kale cooked?

The kale is sautéed briefly in olive oil with a pinch of salt until wilted and bright green, enhancing its flavor and texture.

What grains can be used as the base?

Brown rice or quinoa are ideal bases, providing a hearty, gluten-free foundation for the bowl’s ingredients.

What ingredients come together in the bowl?

The bowl includes roasted spicy chickpeas, sautéed kale, cooked grains, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.

How is the tahini dressing made?

The dressing combines tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, water to thin, and seasoning with salt and pepper for a zesty finish.

Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Sesame allergy should be considered due to tahini.

Spicy Chickpea Kale Bowl

A nourishing bowl featuring roasted spicy chickpeas, sautéed kale, fresh veggies, and tangy tahini dressing.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Spicy Chickpeas

01 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 1/2 tsp chili powder
06 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
07 1/2 tsp sea salt

Kale

01 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves torn
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 Pinch of salt

Bowl

01 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
02 1 large avocado, sliced
03 1 cup shredded carrots
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Tahini Dressing

01 1/4 cup tahini
02 2 tbsp lemon juice
03 1 tbsp maple syrup
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 3 to 4 tbsp water, to thin
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and prepare for roasting.

Step 02

Season Chickpeas: Pat dry chickpeas thoroughly. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and sea salt until evenly coated.

Step 03

Roast Chickpeas: Arrange chickpeas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crisp.

Step 04

Sauté Kale: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kale and a pinch of salt, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted and bright green.

Step 05

Prepare Dressing: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and enough water to reach a pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Assemble Bowl: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa into four bowls. Layer with sautéed kale, roasted chickpeas, avocado slices, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.

Step 07

Serve: Drizzle each bowl with tahini dressing and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains sesame from tahini. Verify ingredient sources to avoid gluten cross-contamination.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Protein: 14 g