This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish bursting with vibrant colors, crisp textures, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Combining chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and Thai-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a healthy side dish. Get ready for a deliciously satisfying salad that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 10 minutes for a hassle-free, healthy meal.
- Vibrant & crunchy – A beautiful mix of fresh veggies and chickpeas, with lots of texture.
- Flavorful dressing – The tahini-based dressing is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
- High in protein – Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, making this salad both filling and nutritious.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or toppings for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Veggies & Chickpeas:
- 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 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Directions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Dice the bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Toss the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Add the Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add more veggies – Toss in some cucumber, avocado, or spinach for extra freshness and nutrients.
- Protein boost – Add grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh for extra protein.
- Spicy kick – If you like it spicy, add a diced chili pepper or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
- Noodles – Serve the salad over rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a heartier meal.
- No tahini? Use peanut butter for a peanut dressing twist!
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Meal prep: Make the salad in advance and store in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and the dressing the night before. Just store them separately and toss them together when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this salad spicier?
Yes! If you like heat, add chopped jalapeños, sriracha, or more red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your soy sauce is vegan.
Can I substitute the chickpeas?
Yes! You can swap the chickpeas for edamame, black beans, or lentils for a different twist.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad is perfect on its own or paired with grilled meats, fish, or quinoa for a full meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a colorful, vibrant, and protein-packed dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors. With a creamy tahini dressing, crunchy veggies, and the added crunch of peanuts, it’s a perfect healthy meal or side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is the ultimate quick, nutritious, and delicious option for busy days!
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Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad
This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, vibrant, and protein-packed dish. With crisp veggies, creamy tahini dressing, and a burst of Thai-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a healthy side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a deliciously satisfying salad that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4
Ingredients
For the Veggies & Chickpeas:
- 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 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Dice the bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Toss the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Add the Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Add more veggies: Toss in some cucumber, avocado, or spinach for extra freshness and nutrients.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh for extra protein.
- Spicy kick: If you like it spicy, add a diced chili pepper or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
- Noodles: Serve the salad over rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a heartier meal.
- No tahini? Use peanut butter for a peanut dressing twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Vegetarian, Healthy
- Method: No-Cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
