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Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

5 from 17 reviews

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish bursting with fresh vegetables and a tangy, savory tahini dressing. Combining the nutty flavor of chickpeas with crisp carrots, red bell pepper, and red cabbage, and topped with crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds, it’s a refreshing and healthy salad perfect for a light lunch or a delicious side.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas: Start by draining and thoroughly rinsing the chickpeas in a colander to remove excess liquid and any canning residue, then allow them to drain completely while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently stir these together ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing.
  4. Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss and coat all the vegetables and chickpeas evenly with the dressing.
  5. Prepare garnishes: Chop the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds to prepare for garnishing the salad.
  6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving dish, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds on top to add texture and flavor.
  7. Enjoy: Serve immediately for a crunchy, refreshing Thai-inspired salad that works great as a main meal or side dish.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • You can roast the chickpeas for extra crunch before mixing into the salad.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the salad gluten-free.
  • This salad is great for meal prep and keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai chickpea salad, crunchy chickpea salad, tahini dressing salad, vegetarian Thai salad, healthy chickpea salad