Spicy Chickpea Salad

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty, creamy lemon dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a colorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in only 15 minutes with minimal prep.

• Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust red-pepper flakes to suit your taste.

• No Cooking Required: Simply drain, chop, whisk, and toss.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 small red onion, diced (or 3–4 green onions)

• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped (or substitute cilantro)

Dressing ingredients

• 2 large garlic cloves, grated or minced

• ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat)

• Zest and juice of 1½ medium lemons

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the chickpeas, diced onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and red-pepper flakes until well emulsified. Season to taste.

3. Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Serve. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and enjoy immediately.

Variations

• Creamy Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tahini or plain yogurt for added richness.

• Herbal Note: Replace parsley with mint or basil for a fresh flavor.

• Spicy Southwest: Swap parsley for cilantro, add a pinch of ground cumin, and include diced avocado.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Do not freeze, as the vegetables and chickpeas may become watery upon thawing.

FAQs

How can I make this salad creamier?

Add a spoonful of tahini or plain yogurt to the dressing and whisk to incorporate.

How spicy is this salad?

With ½ teaspoon of red-pepper flakes, it delivers a moderate kick. Reduce or omit the flakes for a milder taste.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Chop vegetables and rinse chickpeas up to a day in advance, storing them separately. Combine with dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.

Is this salad suitable for special diets?

Yes. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it appropriate for many dietary needs.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Certainly. Soak dried chickpeas overnight, cook until tender, cool fully, then proceed with the recipe.

How do I prevent the cucumber from releasing too much water?

Sprinkle sliced cucumber with a pinch of salt, let drain in a colander for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry before adding.

What main dishes pair well with this salad?

It complements grilled chicken, fish, kebabs, or can be served atop mixed greens as a hearty lunch.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins?

Yes. Cherry tomatoes, radishes, diced carrots, or cooked quinoa elevate both flavor and nutrition.

How should I adjust seasoning for a low-sodium diet?

Use no-salt or reduced-salt chickpeas, limit added salt, and enhance flavor with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Will the flavors improve if left overnight?

The flavors will meld and deepen, but the vegetables may soften. For best texture, consume within 24 hours.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chickpea Salad is a versatile, nutritious, and effortlessly quick dish that fits seamlessly into any meal plan. With its bold flavors, easy customization, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for lunches, potlucks, and weeknight dinners alike. Enjoy!

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