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Curried Chickpea Salad

Curried Chickpea Salad
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Curried Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed lunch option combining creamy chickpeas, aromatic curry spices, and fresh veggies. This quick and nutritious salad offers a delightful balance of tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures, perfect for a satisfying meal or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ½ cup finely diced celery or cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • ¼ cup shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or diced apples (for extra crunch and sweetness)
  • Vegan mayo or coconut yogurt (for vegan version)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds (for nutty texture)
  • Fresh mint or dill (instead of cilantro) for an herbal twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and canning liquid. This ensures a cleaner flavor and better texture for your salad.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with curry powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and aromatic.
  3. Chop fresh ingredients: Finely dice the red onion, celery or cucumber, and chop the fresh herbs. Keeping the sizes consistent ensures even bites throughout the salad.
  4. Combine all ingredients: Gently fold the chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and herbs into the curry dressing. Make sure every piece is coated deliciously without mashing the chickpeas.
  5. Chill and serve: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use ripe lemons for freshly squeezed juice to add the brightest flavor.
  • Don’t overmix; stir gently to preserve the chickpeas’ shape and texture.
  • Adjust curry powder gradually as its intensity can vary between brands.
  • Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge deepens its flavor layers.
  • Toast curry powder briefly in a dry pan before mixing for a more robust aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Curried Chickpea Salad, Chickpea Salad, Vegan Salad, Gluten Free Salad, Protein Salad, Quick Lunch

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/curried-chickpea-salad/