What’s your go-to lunch?What is a chickpeaisn’t just good, it’s life changing! What’s your answer to those days when you crave something substantial and flavorful but can’t get enough of it? How can I spend hours in the kitchen? Can you remember tuna salad sandwiches from childhood? This is the grown-up, infinitely more delicious, and plant-based cousin. Isn’t it delicious, easy to make, and a staple in our house? Is it true that the pickiest eaters I swear, I make a batch of this every single week. When I’m looking for something quick and healthy, this recipe is there to save the day. I actually found this recipe years ago in a little deli in town and I’ve been adapting it ever since.
What is chickpea salad?
Okay, so picture this: Served with a tangy dressing, this chickpea salad is bursting with flavor from fresh herbs. What a satisfying cru What is chickpea salad in a nutshell? Think of it as a vegetarian or vegan alternative to classic tuna or egg salad. What’s essentially taking the creamy, comforting elements of those familiar salads but swapping the crunchy, crunchy elements? Animal products for chickpeas, a nutritional powerhouse! You can serve it on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or even straight from the bowl (no judgement). What is the beauty of this world?What is a chickpeaIs that it’s incredibly adaptable to your personal taste? I love lemon juice and dill!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons to love this movie?What is a chickpeaLet’s hit the highlights.
• Flavor Explosion:Is it a symphony of textures and tastes? What is the best combination of chickpeas, herbs and dressing? What’s better than plain ol’ chickpeas? What is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and refreshing?
• Ridiculously EasyIs it possible to make this in 10 minutes? If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a lot of time. All you need is a can of chickpeas, chopping sticks, and some pantry staples. Is it the ideal solution for a lazy weeknight?
• Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients for chickpeas? What is the best way to eat healthy without breaking the bank? I know how expensive it is to eat healthy.
• Super Versatile:Can you serve this chickpea salad in a variety of ways? What are some of the best sandwiches, wraps, crackers and more? Is it good to dip a veggie stick?
What I love about this book?What is a chickpeaHow easy is it to customize a website to your liking? Add some chopped celery for extra crunch, a pinch of red pepper flakes for kick, or some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. What are some of the best tomatoes for a burst of flavor? Is it a blank canvas? This one stands out because of the simple, fresh ingredients and the bright, lemony dressing. What are some of the best salads that are heavy and mayo-laden? I tried it with a whole avocado and it was amazing!
How do I make chickpea salad?
Quick Overview
Making this What is a chickpeais so simple, it’s almost embarrassing! Basically, you’re going to mash the chickpeas slightly, mix them with the other ingredients, and serve. How do you stir in the dressing? What happens when all the flavors meld together? What is so easy to make? Is it cheating?
Ingredients
What is a chickpea salad?
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed really well (rinsing them is key!)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I prefer avocado mayo, but regular works too)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (or shallots, if you’re feeling fancy)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (for that satisfying crunch)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or parsley, if you don’t have it) .
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a nice tang)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best) • 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
Optional Add-In
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a burst of flavor)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped avocado (for creaminess)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Slightly Mash the Chickpeas
In a medium bowl, mix chickpeas together with the potato masher. Set aside. You don’t want to completely pulverize them, just break them up a bit. I usually leave about half of them whole for some texture. This step is super important for that creamy consistency!
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Herbs
Add the chopped red onion, celery, and dill to the bowl with the chickpeas. Mix well. The more finely you chop these, the better they incorporate into your salad. Make sure everything is chopped and measured correctly.
Step 3: Stir in the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Set aside. I always give it a little taste at this point to make sure the flavors are balanced. How do you add lemon juice or mustard to a dish?
Step 4: Combine Everything
What is the dressing for? Pour over the chickpeas and veggies and stir to combine. Be careful not to overmix, you still want some texture. Is it time to add optional add-ins?
Step 5: Season to Taste
Season the chickpea salad with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, it really brings out the flavors. Give it a good stir and taste again.
Step 6: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chickpea salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. But if you’re impatient like me, you can totally dig in right away!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the chickpea salad on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Get creative and have fun with it!
What to Serve It With
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing chickpea salad recipe ready to go. Now what? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
For a Quick Lunch: Slap it on some whole-wheat bread with lettuce and tomato for a satisfying sandwich. Or, serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter, gluten-free option. Crackers are also a great option too!
For a Healthy Snack: Serve it with veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber for a crunchy and nutritious snack. You can also scoop it up with pita chips or tortilla chips.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal. It pairs perfectly with tomato soup or a green salad with vinaigrette.
For a Party Appetizer: Serve it as a dip with crackers, pita bread, or veggie sticks. You can also spread it on crostini for a fancy appetizer. My family likes it best with crackers as an appetizer.
My family loves this served with a side of fresh fruit. I usually pair it with some grapes and a big glass of iced tea! You can really adapt this recipe to suit your needs and preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chickpea Salad
Okay, I’ve made this chickpea salad recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making it perfect every single time:
Don’t Overmash the Chickpeas: You want some texture, so don’t completely pulverize them. A little bit of chunkiness is key! Make sure you mash everything evenly too.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor. If you can, use fresh dill, parsley, or chives instead of dried. You can usually find these at the grocery store.
Taste and Adjust the Dressing: The dressing is what brings everything together, so make sure it’s perfectly balanced. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, more mustard for a kick, or more mayonnaise for creaminess. Be sure to be exact with measurements, too!
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different add-ins and seasonings. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I tried it with some hot sauce and it was amazing!
Let It Chill: Chilling the chickpea salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together even more. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Make It Your Own: This is just a starting point, so feel free to adapt the recipe to your own taste preferences. Add more or less of certain ingredients, or try completely different flavor combinations. The only limit is your imagination! Get creative and make it your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This chickpea salad recipe is great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: I do not recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. It can spoil and you don’t want to get sick!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will actually improve over time! Just make sure it doesn’t smell strange or look different.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing chickpea salad, as the texture can change and become mushy. The mayonnaise can also separate and become watery.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t have a glaze, there are no rules to worry about! Feel free to mix it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to chickpea salad recipe that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or a party appetizer. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. If you’re looking for other easy and healthy recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts! I have tons of delicious recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Chickpea Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
- 0.5 cup chopped red onion
- 0.5 cup chopped celery
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, red onion, and celery.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
