Chickpea Salad Recipe ๐ฅ
Overview:
This Chickpea Salad recipe is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for a refreshing meal or side dish during those warm summer days. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a burst of aromatic herbs and spices, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and super easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps. So, let’s dive into making this flavorful and vibrant salad!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | Chickpeas |
| 2 | Tomatoes |
| 2 | Lebanese cucumbers |
| 1 | Red onion |
| 1 | Fresh coriander |
| 2 sprigs | Fresh mint |
| 1 stalk | Lemongrass |
| 1/4 cup | Lime juice |
| 2 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 2 tsp | Fresh ginger |
| 1 | Red chili |
| 1 tsp | Sugar |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the tomatoes, Lebanese cucumbers, red onion, and fresh coriander into bite-sized pieces, and add them to the bowl with the chickpeas.
- Finely chop the fresh mint leaves and slice the lemongrass thinly, adding them to the bowl as well.
-
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped red chili, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
-
Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve the Chickpea Salad as a light and refreshing meal on its own, or as a side dish alongside your favorite grilled proteins or sandwiches.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 132.9
- Fat Content: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 204.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24.8g
- Fiber Content: 4.5g
- Sugar Content: 4.8g
- Protein Content: 4.8g
Tips and Variations:
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning according to your personal preferences. Add more or less chili for heat, or swap out the herbs for your favorites.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Serve with Extras: Pair this Chickpea Salad with some crusty bread, pita chips, or grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is easily scalable, so feel free to double or triple the ingredients if you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers for meal prep.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this Chickpea Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a potluck contribution, its versatility and deliciousness will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of summer in every bite! ๐๐ฅ
