Healthy Eating

Refreshing Chickpea Salads for a Nutrient Boost

Source : savoryful

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are one of the best plant-based proteins. They are healthy and perfect for incorporating salads that are both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

And the best part? You can add whatever ingredients, toppings, and seasoning to your heart's content, and it will still hit the spot every time.

1. Classic Chickpea Salad

Source : natashaskitchcom

A classic chickpea salad is timeless and reliable. It is easy to whip up and come together in minutes. It is perfect for lunch since chickpeas are protein-packed and leave you feeling full for hours.

Combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and cilantro in a bowl. Add the salad dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix everything and serve as is or with roasted potatoes or baked pork loins if you want something hearty.

2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Source : jessicainthekitchcom

A bite of this amazing Mediterranean chickpea salad is all the convincing you need to include this recipe in your weekly meal rotation. A Mediterranean salad is typically characterized by three key ingredients and a lemony dressing. You need cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley, but for extra Mediterranean flavors, add red onions and Kalamata olives.

These vegetables are tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and sumac and finished with creamy, tangy, and crumbled feta.

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3. Avocado Chickpea Salad

Source : oliveandmango

An avocado salad with chickpeas is a combination of creamy avocado and vibrant flavors. It is so simple that you could probably make this salad with your eyes closed.

But we do not recooment that since you do need your eyes open to chop up the avocado. In a medium bowl, combine drained chickpeas, cubed avocado, cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Feel free to add any fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. You can leave out the feta for a mouthwatering vegan dinner.

4. Indian Chickpea Salad

Source : greenbowl2soul

Chickpeas are a staple in Indian lentils and curries. You can use the flavoring and spices of these dishes to make an Indian-inspired chickpea salad. This recipe requires a few simple ingredients: chickpeas, red onion, spring onions or shallots, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, cilantro, and roasted cashew nuts.

For the salad dressing, mix sunflower oil, lime, ginger, garlic, chaat masala or curry powder, cumin powder, red chili flakes, salt and pepper.

5. Quinoa Chickpea Salad

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A quinoa chickpea salad is all about crunchy veggies and vibrant flavors. It is a wholesome dish for serving both your family and a crowd. Cooked quinoa is combined with chickpeas, an abundance of herbs, and colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, parsley, mint, or dill for a delicious salad.

You can dress your salad however you like. You can use a balsamic vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

6. Spicy Thai Chickpea Salad

Source : ambitiouskitchcom

A chickpea salad with a fiery kick from the chili flakes and sriracha dressing will satisfy your craving for spice. There are countless ways to whip up this dish, but we recommend a Thai style reminiscent of the ever-popular papaya salad.

All you need are chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, mint, and roasted peanuts. For the salad dressing, mix peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, sriracha, chili flakes, and a pinch of garlic powder.

7. Roasted Chickpea Salad

Source : thishealthytable

If you are not a fan of the nutty chickpea taste, you can roast them in spices and add them to a salad. This recipe starts with roasting chickpeas. Coat the chickpeas in salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and turmeric, and bake them in the oven. 

Mix the roasted chickpeas with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and herb yogurt dressing made with Greek yogurt, scallion, garlic, fresh dill, lime juice, and water to thin out as needed.

8. Mango Curry Chickpea Salad

Source : frommybowl

A mango curry chickpea salad is light and refreshing on a warm day. While most salads have chopped ingredients and dressing, this one has spices that need to be tempered. Cumin, coriander, and fennel are sautéed in oil until fragrant. Mix the tempered oil spices with lime juice, maple syrup, tamarind concentrate, and salt.

Pour the dressing over chickpeas, mango, bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, onion, pepper, and cilantro and toss. Enjoy immediately, or chill in the fridge before serving.

9. Buffalo Chickpea Salad

Source : dishingouthealth

Made with a few pantry staples, a buffalo chickpea has all the flavors of buffalo chicken wings but with veggies and added health benefits.

Chickpeas are tossed in buffalo sauce, mixed greens, celery, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing. Serve it as a sandwich with your favorite whole-grain bread or tortillas. You can make a big batch for quick and easy lunches or snacks throughout the week.

10. Italian Chickpea Salad

Source : foodiecrush

An Italian chickpea salad is loaded with big Italian flavors thanks to the Italian herbs and seasonings. Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, red onion, and fresh basil are drenched in Italian dressing. You can buy bottled ones, but nothing beats the taste of homemade Italian dressing. 

All you need to do is combine lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, dried oregano, dried thyme, olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to make your salad. 

11. Mexican Chickpea Salad

Source : plantbasedrdblog

This Mexican salad recipe has all the quintessential Mexican ingredients and flavors, such as black beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, corn, and lime dressing. The combination of everything adds complexity and depth to this chickpea salad.

Chickpeas, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and jalapenos are drizzled with lime dressing consisting of lime juice, olive oil, tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. The bold and spicy flavors will revive your taste buds.

12. Tahini Chickpea Salad

Source : vibrantplate

Tahini is a popular condiment in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from toasted sesame seeds and used in many dishes. And you can definitely use it in a chickpea salad.

Chickpeas and veggies of your choice are mixed in a creamy tahini sauce with a nutty, umami flavor that takes your salad to the next level.

For the tahini dressing, combine olive oil, store-bought tahini, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly blended.

13. Asian Chickpea Salad

Source : avocadoskillet

An Asian chickpea salad is perfect if you are a fan of Chinese flavors. It is a great side dish to serve a crowd or with your favorite weeknight dinners. The key to a delicious Asian chickpea salad is a savory and tangy miso ginger dressing

White miso paste, lemon juice, tamari or soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and fresh ginger are whisked together for this Asian dressing. You can use any veggies you like, but adding quinoa or sparkling sesame seeds at the end takes your salad up a notch. 

14. Caprese Chickpea Salad

Source : belleofthekitchcom

Nothing screams summer more than a caprese salad loaded with fresh mozzarella, basil, and peak-season tomatoes. You can dress your caprese salad however you like.

For this recipe, we are adding chickpeas. Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, salt, and pepper are tossed together and served as is. But if you want a dressing, combine a balsamic glaze and a dollop of pesto. Top the salad with mint, peaches, or strawberries. This is totally optional, though. 

15. Spinach and Chickpea Salad

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Chickpea salads are high in protein, but if you want to increase your fiber intake, you can add leafy greens like spinach to your salad. Increasing your fiber intake keeps you full longer and improves digestive health.

For this salad, fresh baby spinach is better than frozen ones because its texture works much better. Combine chickpeas, spinach, and any preferred veggies with olive oil, honey, salt and pepper dressing. 

16. Cilantro Lime Chickpea Salad

Source : alexandracooks

A  cilantro-lime chickpea salad is a perfect weight-loss meal. Low in calories and loaded with essential nutrients, this salad is delicious and addictive.

At its core, you only need chickpeas, onions, and dressing. The dressing is made with cilantro, lime, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, mustard, sugar, turmeric, salt and pepper. You can add dried fruit, nuts, seeds, minced jalapeno, and anything you like. 

17. Sweet Potato Chickpea Salad

Source : notenoughcinnamon

Once you taste this salad, it will be a staple in your diet. The flavor and textural combination of masala-spiced baked chickpeas and tender, roasted sweet potatoes are unmatched. 

You start by roasting your chickpeas and sweet potatoes. These are combined with broccolini, chard, and unsalted pumpkin seeds. The salad is doused in a creamy yogurt dressing mixture of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper.  

18. Fruity Chickpea Salad

Source : averiecooks

There are rules for making a salad. If you are not big on vegetables, leave it out and make a fruity chickpea salad. Replace your spinach and cucumbers with mangoes and strawberries. Top it off with a fruit-based salad dressing.

For a tropical vibe, you can go for pineapple, mango, pineapple salsa, and pico de gallo. The salsa and pico de gallo add depth of flavor and a savory element that balances the sweet fruits.

19. Sun-dried Tomato Chickpea Salad

We have tons of chickpea salad recipes with tomatoes but none with sun-dried ones. They are not the same as regular tomatoes. They are treated with salt to remove most of their water content.

As a result, they have a much more concentrated tomato taste with a sweet, tart, and tangy flavor. They brighten any salad. When using sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip the dressing as they are flavorful on their own. 

20. Pesto Pasta Salad

Source : foodwastefeast

A pesto sauce is a popular choice of pasta sauce, but you can incorporate it into anything like a chickpea pasta salad.

Chickpeas, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion are coated in pesto dressing. The pesto dressing is made by blitzing basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. The bright, herby, and nutty sauce pairs well with the bland, slightly earthy chickpeas.