Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed salad? This Veggie & Chickpea Salad is your answer! Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and a zesty tahini dressing, it’s a perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick lunch, this salad is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Follow the steps below, and don’t forget to check out the tips and nutrition information for the best results!
Ingredients:
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 tbsp chopped green onions
Dressing
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish
1 tbsp chopped peanuts
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
½ tsp sesame seeds
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
Dice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Garnishes
Sprinkle the salad with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy as a light lunch or a side dish with grilled chicken, tofu, or fish.
Pair with warm pita bread or naan for a more filling meal.
Add avocado slices or crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Tips for Success:
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other veggies like cucumber, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
Make It Ahead: This salad is great for meal prep. Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Adjust the Spice: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: ~250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 10g
This Veggie & Chickpea Salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures—it’s a salad you’ll want to make again and again! 🥗✨
