Refreshing Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps: Your Ultimate Vegan Summer Lunch

When the temperatures soar and the days stretch long, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy, complicated meal. The scorching summer heat calls for something light, vibrant, and utterly refreshing – a meal that invigorates rather than weighs you down. Here in our corner of the world, the heat is intense, often accompanied by stifling humidity. Mornings might offer a brief respite with a cool shake, but soon enough, the windows are closed, and the quest for truly cooling fare begins.

That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly answers the call of a heat wave: these delectable Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps. This recipe marks a couple of exciting firsts for this blog – our inaugural wrap creation and our very first chickpea salad! I’ve been crafting and enjoying these wraps frequently, finding them to be the ideal light yet incredibly satisfying option for summer lunches or dinners.

If you’re anything like me, your first encounter with collard greens as a “wrap” might have been met with a healthy dose of skepticism. The idea of stuffing all your favorite sandwich fillings into a leafy green initially seems daunting. But trust me, my initial reservations quickly vanished. These sturdy greens proved to be surprisingly resilient and absolutely perfect for holding a generous amount of this creamy, flavorful chickpea salad. Once you try them, I’m confident you’ll also appreciate the delightful crunch and natural goodness that collard greens bring to the table. Allow me to convince you of their simple deliciousness and ease of preparation!

Key Ingredients for Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps

Crafting these incredibly fresh and satisfying Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and essential nutrients that make this dish a standout. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic vegan lunch:

• Chickpeas: The star of our salad! Canned chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed, form the protein-packed base. They offer a wonderfully neutral canvas that readily absorbs the flavors of the dressing and herbs. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health.
• Avocado: This creamy green fruit is essential for the rich, smooth texture of the chickpea salad. Avocado not only adds healthy monounsaturated fats but also contributes a subtle earthy flavor and a beautiful green hue to the mixture, enhancing both taste and appearance. It acts as a natural binder and provides a dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk Yogurt: A fantastic dairy-free alternative that brings a lovely tang and additional creaminess to the salad. It helps create that desirable “salad” consistency without relying on traditional mayonnaise, keeping the recipe lighter and completely vegan. Be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to control the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil or Dill): These fresh additions are paramount for the “green” and refreshing aspect of the salad. Basil offers a sweet, aromatic note, while dill provides a distinctly savory and bright flavor. Choose your favorite, or even combine them, for an extra burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish. Finely chopped, they integrate beautifully throughout the salad.
• Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a delightful crunch and a sharp, pungent kick that balances the creaminess of the avocado and yogurt. Its vibrant color is also a welcome addition, and a little goes a long way in providing flavor depth without overwhelming the palate.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for brightening the flavors. Its tartness cuts through the richness of the avocado and chickpea, adding a zesty, refreshing quality that ties all the ingredients together. It’s a key component for that quintessential “salad” zing.
• Himalayan Sea Salt & Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for enhancing and balancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference – a good pinch of each can transform the salad from pleasant to extraordinary.
• Collard Greens: The sturdy and nutritious vessel for our chickpea salad. Collard greens are packed with vitamins K, A, and C, and provide a fantastic crispness when raw, or a more pliable texture when lightly blanched. They offer a unique, slightly bitter note that complements the creamy, savory filling perfectly.

That’s all there is to it! Just a few simple ingredients combine to create a truly delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time you crave something fresh and wholesome.

Expert Tips for Preparing Collard Wraps

The beauty of collard greens lies in their large, durable leaves, making them an excellent choice for a low-carb, nutrient-dense wrap. However, preparing them can be a bit tricky if you’re new to it. My first experience with collard wraps was, shall we say, less than ideal. I encountered a tough, bitter center stem that not only made chewing difficult but also caused my wrap to split, sending chickpeas tumbling overboard! To save you from a similar fate, I’m sharing my tried-and-true preparation method that ensures your collard wraps are both delicious and structurally sound.

Selecting and Cleaning Your Collard Greens

First, choose large, vibrant green collard leaves that are free from major blemishes or tears. The fresher they are, the more pliable and less bitter they’ll be. Begin by thoroughly rinsing each collard leaf under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important for both hygiene and ensuring the wrap doesn’t get soggy.

Trimming the Tough Stem

The key to a successful collard wrap is addressing that central, fibrous stem. Whether you prefer your collard wraps raw or blanched, this preparation method starts the same way:

1. Cut the End: Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut off the very end of the stem so that it’s flush with the base of the leaf. This removes the toughest, most unwieldy part.
2. Shave the Protruding Core: Now, flip the leaf over so the underside (where the stem is most prominent) is facing up. With your knife, carefully and gently “shave” down the thick, protruding core of the stem. The goal is to thin out this fibrous part so it’s as close to the leaf’s surface as possible without tearing through the leaf itself. This technique significantly reduces bitterness and makes the leaf much easier to roll without cracking. It also ensures a more pleasant, less chewy bite.

Raw vs. Blanched Collard Wraps

At this point, your collard green is perfectly prepared for a raw wrap. Simply fill it with your delicious chickpea salad, roll it up like a burrito, and enjoy the crisp, slightly bitter taste and maximum nutrient benefits of raw collards. Raw collards offer an excellent crunch and retain all their enzymes and vitamins.

Alternatively, if you prefer a softer, more pliable wrap with a milder flavor, you can choose to blanch your collard greens. Blanching also makes the leaves easier to fold and less prone to tearing, which can be particularly helpful for beginners or if your leaves are especially stiff:

1. Boiling Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Quick Dip: Carefully submerge each prepared collard leaf into the boiling water for precisely 30 seconds. Do not overcook, or the leaves will become too limp.
3. Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the blanched leaf into a large bowl of ice water. This “ice bath” step is crucial as it halts the cooking process, preserves the vibrant green color, and maintains a slight crispness.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Once cooled, remove the leaf from the ice water and pat it thoroughly dry. Excess moisture can make your wraps soggy.

Whether you opt for raw or blanched, mastering this simple preparation technique will ensure your Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps are a delightful and mess-free experience every time. You’ll be amazed at how sturdy and versatile these greens are!

Crafting Your Delicious Green Chickpea Salad

The heart of these wraps is the incredibly flavorful and creamy Green Chickpea Salad. What makes it so appealing is its simplicity – it all comes together in one bowl with minimal effort. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based goodness, making it a healthy and satisfying filling for your collard wraps or any other serving method you prefer.

Mixing the Base Ingredients

Begin by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the key players: the thoroughly drained and rinsed chickpeas, the creamy avocado, the tangy unsweetened almond milk yogurt, the finely chopped fresh basil (or dill), and the diced red onion. These ingredients form the core texture and initial flavor profile of your salad.

With a sturdy fork, gently but firmly begin to smash everything together. The goal here is not to create a completely smooth paste, but rather a delightfully chunky texture where some chickpeas remain whole or half-mashed, providing a satisfying bite. The avocado will break down beautifully, coating the chickpeas and creating a rich, creamy consistency. The yogurt will bind everything together while adding a subtle tang. Continue smashing and mixing until all components are well combined and you achieve your desired level of creaminess and chunkiness.

Seasoning and Flavor Adjustment

Once your base is mixed, it’s time to elevate the flavors with seasoning. Add the fresh lemon juice, a pinch of Himalayan sea salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Stir everything again to ensure these seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

This is the most important part for customizing your salad: taste the mixture! Your palate is unique, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your preferences. Do you prefer a brighter, more zesty flavor? Add a little more lemon juice. Craving more depth? A touch more salt and pepper can make a world of difference. Don’t shy away from adding more fresh herbs if you desire a stronger aromatic presence. You could even experiment with a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

Assembling the Wraps

Once your Green Chickpea Salad is perfectly seasoned to your liking, it’s time to assemble your collard wraps. Take one of your prepared collard leaves (either raw or blanched and dried). Spoon a generous amount of the chickpea salad onto the center of the leaf, leaving some space around the edges. Don’t overfill, or it will be difficult to wrap.

To wrap it up like a burrito, fold in the sides of the collard leaf over the filling, then starting from the stem end, tightly roll the leaf upwards. The robust nature of the collard green will ensure your filling stays securely inside. Serve these delicious wraps immediately for the best fresh flavor and texture!

This green chickpea salad is ridiculously creamy while still being incredibly light and completely oil-free. The ingenious base, a harmonious blend of almond milk yogurt and healthy avocado, is elegantly dressed up with the sweet notes of basil, the tart zest of lemon, and the subtle bite of red onion. It’s a symphony of fresh flavors that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Green Chickpea Salad

While these Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps are undoubtedly a star, the versatile chickpea salad itself offers a myriad of ways to be enjoyed. Its creamy, flavorful, and oil-free nature makes it a perfect addition to many meals, catering to various preferences and dietary needs.

Beyond the Collard Wrap

Not everyone is a fan of collard greens, and that’s perfectly fine! The Green Chickpea Salad shines in many other applications:

• As a Salad Topper: Spoon a generous scoop of this chickpea salad over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa salad, or even roasted vegetables for an instant protein and flavor boost. It adds substance and a creamy dressing-like quality to any green salad.
• On Toast or Crackers: For a quick snack or a light breakfast, spread the chickpea salad generously on your favorite whole-grain toast or sturdy crackers. Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a slice of cucumber for extra crunch.
• In Sandwiches or Pitas: Use it as a filling for traditional sandwiches with your favorite bread, or stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets with some crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a hearty meal.
• By the Spoonful: Honestly, sometimes it’s just that good! Enjoy a spoonful straight from the bowl for a delicious and satisfying treat.
• With Veggie Sticks: Serve it as a dip with crunchy carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices for a healthy and refreshing appetizer.

Perfect for Any Meal

I personally love enjoying my collard wraps for a quick, five-minute lunch when time is of the essence. They are incredibly convenient and satisfying. However, these wraps are also perfectly suited for a light summer dinner, especially when you want something fresh and easy after a long, warm day. Pair them with a simple side salad, some fresh fruit, or even a chilled soup to complete the meal.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This green chickpea salad is also an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can prepare a larger batch and store the leftover chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This makes for incredibly convenient grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. While it’s certainly best when fresh, the flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it a delicious option for a quick, healthy meal anytime. Just remember to store the salad separately from your collard leaves if you’re prepping wraps in advance, assembling them just before eating to maintain optimal freshness and prevent the leaves from wilting.

Enjoy the simplicity, freshness, and incredible flavor of these Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps and their versatile filling. They are a testament to how satisfying and delicious plant-based eating can be, especially during the warmer months!

Discover More Delicious Wrap Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of these Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps, you’re in for a treat! Wraps are an incredibly versatile and healthy way to enjoy a meal, especially when you’re looking for light, portable, and nutrient-packed options. Here are some more fantastic wrap recipes from our collection that we think you’ll adore. From vibrant veggie-packed options to savory protein fillings, there’s a wrap for every craving:

• Rainbow Hummus & Avocado Collard Wraps

• Grilled Tempeh Collard Wraps with Mango Salsa

• Salad Crunch Wrap

• Rainbow Rice Paper Wraps with Black Sesame Sauce

• Grain-Free Flatbread Wraps with Tandoori Chickpeas

• Leftover “Holiday” Collard Wraps

• Curried Sweet Potato & Lentil Collard Wraps

We Value Your Feedback!

If you take the time to make this delightful Green Chickpea Salad Collard Wraps recipe, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable as it helps us understand what you enjoy and enables us to create even more delicious recipes for you to savor.

Please take a moment to leave us a comment below, along with a star rating and review. Sharing your thoughts helps not only us but also other members of our community who are looking for their next favorite meal. Your honest feedback is truly appreciated and goes a long way in inspiring future culinary creations.

Don’t forget to give us a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your wonderful creations. We love seeing your delicious dishes and connecting with you!

For more inspiring recipes just like this one, be sure to check out our Pinterest page. You can easily pin your favorite ideas to make later, ensuring you always have a fantastic meal plan at your fingertips.

Love what you see and want to stay updated with all our latest posts and recipes? Head over to our homepage and subscribe to our newsletter. Get fresh, healthy, and delicious updates delivered straight to your inbox, so you never miss a new culinary adventure!

XO Lauren

Print