What is a lunch staple that changed my life? Forget the mayo-drenched tuna salad of your childhood (though, I do have a soft spot for that, too).What is a chickpeaIs lighter, brighter, packed with flavor, and, dare I say, even more satisfying. Is it like a Mediterranean vacation in teh bowl, ready in 10 minutes flat? What is a healthy lunch that actually tastes good? This version is SO much better, and easier to throw together!
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What is chickpea salad?
Is chickpea salad a vegetarian? ) a twist on classic salads like tuna or chicken salad. Instead of fish or poultry, the base is chickpeas, which are mashed or pulsed to create a creamy, creamy texture. What a satisfying texture What is a good mash-up? ) of healthy ingredients, bound together with a flavorful dressing. What are some of the best ways to spice up a salad? Is there a way to make I’ve seen some folks add a touch of curry powder, which is surprisingly delicious!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this book?What is a chickpeaFirst and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. What is the best combination of tangy, savory notes, thanks to lemon juice, herbs and spices? What is Dijon mustard? What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. I’m talking 10 minutes, tops! What is a good lunch? What is the best part about a budget? Chickpeas are super affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. What makes this salad different from other chickpea salads? I think it’s the perfect balance of creamy and chunky – you get a satisfying bite without it being overpowering. Is it like my Grandma’s Chicken Salad? I love that you can eat it in so many different ways – in a sandwich, on crackers, as dip with grilled cheese. What are some good ways to eat veggies straight out of the bowl? If you’re a fan of egg salad or tuna salad, I promise you will fall head-over-heels for this chickpeas salad.
How do I make chickpea salad?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make thisWhat is a chickpeaIs it a breeze? What is the best way to mash chickpeas, mix in your favorite veggies and seasonings and stir in a little olive oil. I think it’s pretty simple. Simple dressing. What is the key to mash chickpeas? Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors! What makes this recipe so fun?
Ingredients
What is a chickpea salad?
* 2 (15-ounce) cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. I always rinse them well – it makes a difference in the flavor.
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for a vegan version! I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery. This adds a nice crunch. *
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Fresh herbs are key!
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. The fennel really brightens everything up.
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always best.
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Adds a nice tang.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. You can also use fresh minced garlic, but I find it easier to use.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How do I learn to
Step 1: Mash the Chickpeas
In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with the fork or potato masher. Don’t mash them completely smooth – you want to leave some texture. I usually aim for about half of the chickpeas to be mashed and half whole.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Herbs
Add the chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. I like to chop the veggies pretty fine so they blend in well with the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or vegan mayo), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
What is the best dressing for chickpeas? Be gentle when stirring so you don’t over-mash the chickpeas.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Season the chickpea salad with salt and pepper to taste. Can you add a little extra seasoning to your chicken?
Step 6: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover the chickpea salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How long does it take for a How do you get the flavors to meld together?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the chickpea salad on a sandwich, on crackers, as dip with veggies, or straight out of the fridge. What are the possibilities?
What should I serve it with?
This What is a chickpeaIs so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! How do I enjoy life?
What is a quick lunch? Serve it in a sandwich with whole-wheat bread, lettuce, and tomato. I also love it on toasted sourdough.
As an Appetizer: Serve it on crackers or cucumber slices as a party appetizer.
With Veggies:Can you use it as a dip for carrots, celery, bell peppers and other raw veggies? What is the best way to get your daily dose of vegetables?
As a Salad Topping:Add it to a bed of mixed greens for protein-packed salad. I like to add some avocado and sunflower seeds.
My family loves this served on croissants for an easy weekend lunch. Sometimes, I’ll even add a handful of sprouts for some extra crunch and nutrition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chickpea Salad
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best possible chickpea salad recipe:
Don’t Over-Mash the Chickpeas: You want to leave some texture in the salad, so don’t mash the chickpeas completely smooth. Aim for about half of the chickpeas to be mashed and half to be whole.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a ton of flavor to the salad, so don’t skip them! Parsley and dill are my favorites, but you can also use other herbs like chives or cilantro.
Soak the Red Onion: If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before using. This will help to mellow out the flavor.
Add Some Crunch: Celery and red onion add a nice crunch to the salad, but you can also add other crunchy veggies like chopped carrots or bell peppers.
Adjust the Dressing to Your Liking: If you prefer a tangier salad, add more lemon juice or Dijon mustard. If you prefer a creamier salad, add more mayonnaise (or vegan mayo).
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors! Try adding some curry powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
I’ve also found that a squeeze of lime adds a unique flavor. One time, I accidentally added a bit too much salt, but a little bit of honey balanced it out perfectly! Live and learn!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This chickpea salad recipe is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture will change when it thaws.
Room Temperature: Do not leave the chickpea salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the chickpea salad, as the texture will change when it thaws. The mayonnaise can separate and become watery.
If you’re making the chickpea salad ahead of time, I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving. This will help to keep the salad from getting soggy. When I pack it for lunch, I keep the salad and the bread separate so it’s fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to chickpea salad recipe! I truly believe this will become a new staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it to your liking with different veggies, herbs, and spices. This recipe is a game changer! If you’re looking for more quick and healthy lunch ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes. Happy cooking, friends! And please, if you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
How to Whip Up a 7-Ingredient Chickpea Salad for a Quick Snack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas 15-ounce each, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 0.75 cup feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavors.
