Protein-Boosted Chickpea and Cabbage Salad
A crisp, colorful lunch bowl loaded with juicy chicken, fiber-rich chickpeas, crunchy purple cabbage, and creamy avocado.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Angela + Lila
Angela created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Whisk · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
To prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and add the avocado just before eating to prevent browning.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Shred the purple cabbage and chop the…
- 01
Shred the purple cabbage and chop the…
Shred the purple cabbage and chop the romaine lettuce coarsely.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Slice the grilled chicken breast into thin…
Slice the grilled chicken breast into thin bite-sized strips.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Core and thinly slice the half apple…
Core and thinly slice the half apple into matchsticks or small cubes.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Dice the half avocado into small cubes…
Dice the half avocado into small cubes right before assembling to keep it fresh.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Combine the romaine lettuce
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, chickpeas, sliced apple, diced avocado, and grilled chicken breast.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil
In a small jar or cup, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt until emulsified.
Look for: emulsified
Tap card to mark done - 07
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately in a wide lunch bowl.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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