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Apple Chickpea Salad

Apple Chickpea Salad

Fresh and nutritious Apple Chickpea Salad that combines the sweetness of crisp apples with the hearty texture of chickpeas. This quick and easy salad is perfect for light lunches, dinners, or snacks, offering a vibrant mix of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors. Packed with plant-based protein and vitamins, it’s a delightful and adaptable dish ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds
  • Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or basil instead of parsley
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canned taste.
  2. Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the apples and celery into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the red onion and parsley for an even distribution of flavors.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: Place the chickpeas, chopped apples, celery, onion, and parsley together in a large mixing bowl so all elements meld.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a light, tangy dressing.
  5. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Chill for 15-30 minutes if desired to enhance flavor blending.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Choose firm, crisp apples that won’t brown or soften quickly.
  • Chill the salad before serving to meld flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning last to balance acidity and salt perfectly.
  • If adding nuts, toast them lightly to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, quick salad, plant-based protein, light lunch, easy recipe