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 protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. Combining crisp vegetables with a tangy tahini dressing, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings.

A close-up view of a fresh chickpea salad piled high in a white square dish, showing three main layers: the bottom layer has chopped red onion with bright purple color and some small green bits of herbs, the middle layer features numerous golden beige chickpeas with a smooth texture, and the top layer consists of thin julienned carrot strips and red bell pepper slices mixed with fresh green chopped cilantro, all glistening with a light dressing that adds a shiny texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with natural light enhancing the vibrant colors. 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. Allow them to drain thoroughly while you prepare 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 everything together.
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.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Prepare the garnishes by chopping the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measuring out the sesame seeds.
Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds over the top.
Step 7: Serve immediately as a refreshing and protein-packed meal or side dish. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the peanuts and sesame seeds lightly before garnishing.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Add cucumber or snap peas for additional freshness and crunch.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a little water or olive oil to the tahini mix to thin it out.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crunchiness. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a colorful chickpea salad in a white square dish placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base layer of light beige round chickpeas, mixed with thin strips of bright orange carrots and red bell peppers. Among these are small pieces of purple onion and scattered chopped green herbs, adding vibrant green spots throughout. The textures range from soft chickpeas to crunchy vegetables, all glistening slightly with a dressing that gives a fresh and appetizing look. 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, you can use dried chickpeas. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender before using. This will require more prep time but results in a fresher taste.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.