Name: Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
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; 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; 1 tbsp chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ tsp sesame seeds

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Introduction

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with bold flavors and textures. Quick to make and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect as a light meal or a colorful side. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and zesty dressing in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a chickpea salad served in a square white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: a base layer of light beige chickpeas, a middle layer of thin orange carrot strips and bright red bell pepper slices, and a top layer of chopped fresh green parsley and small pieces of purple-red onion. The salad looks fresh and mixed well, with the colors of the vegetables and herbs contrasting nicely against the chickpeas. The texture appears moist and slightly glossy, indicating a light dressing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
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
1 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
½ tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander, then allow them to drain thoroughly while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently stir to mix evenly.
Step 3: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently with a spatula or large spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Prepare the garnishes by chopping the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds.
Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds on top.
Step 7: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crunchiest.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, toss in some cooked shredded chicken or tofu cubes.
Swap red bell pepper for cucumber for a cooler crunch.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a little water to thin the tahini mixture as needed.
Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
Toast the peanuts and sesame seeds lightly to enhance their flavor before garnishing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it will soften the crunchy vegetables.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a fresh chickpea salad served in a square white bowl. The base layer is light beige, round chickpeas, scattered throughout the bowl. Mixed in well are thin strips of red bell pepper and orange carrot, adding bright colors. Chopped green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top, giving a fresh, leafy texture. Small pieces of purple onion add a sharp contrast, blending with bits of cucumber visible under the chickpeas. The salad looks glossy with a light oil or dressing, on a background of white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure to soak and cook dried chickpeas thoroughly before using. Canned chickpeas are simply more convenient and ready to use.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The salad is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your labels to be certain.