Little Gems with Buffalo Chickpeas & Yogurt Ranch

February 23, 2023
Recipes

This little gem salad is a perfect crowd pleaser. Our Organic Whole Plain European Style Yogurt shines in this creamy ranch recipe and balances the heat from the zesty chickpeas. The recipe is from a collaboration with Asha Loupy.

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups Straus Organic Whole Plain European Style Yogurt
2 to 3 teaspoons Zest of lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
3 tablespoons finely chopped dill
1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained well
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup favorite vinegar-based hot sauce
2 tablespoons cold, Straus Organic Unsalted Sweet European Style Butter, cubed
4 medium-to-large little gems or 2 romaine hearts
⅓ cup blue cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Step 1

To make the dressing, combine the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chives, 2 tablespoons dill, onion flakes, garlic powder, 1¼ teaspoon3. salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until ready to use.
Step 2

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas and remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, stirring to coat the beans in the oil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas skins start to crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the hot sauce and butter, stirring vigorously to emulsify until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chickpeas. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3

While the chickpeas are cooling, cut the little gems in half lengthwise through the core and arrange on a serving platter, fanning out some of the outer leaves on each half. If using romaine hearts, cut lengthwise into quarters.
Step 4

To assemble, spoon the yogurt ranch over the lettuce halves, making sure to get in and under some of the leaves. Then, spoon the buffalo chickpeas over the top. Sprinkle with the blue cheese crumbles and finish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives and 1 tablespoon dill. Serve immediately.