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Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish featuring a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and chickpeas tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet tahini-lime dressing. Garnished with peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds, it’s a refreshing and healthy salad perfect for a quick meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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

Dressing Ingredients

  • 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

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander. Set aside to allow excess water to drain while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently stir to evenly combine all the fresh vegetables.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
  4. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  5. Prepare Garnishes: Chop the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds to be used for garnish.
  6. Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving dish, then sprinkle chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds over the top for added texture and flavor.
  7. Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing and protein-rich salad, perfect as a light meal or a side dish to complement your favorite entrees.

Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain its crunchy texture.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier dressing.
  • Chickpeas can be roasted beforehand for an extra crunch if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Thai chickpea salad, crunchy chickpea salad, vegetarian Thai salad, easy no cook salad, protein-packed salad, tahini dressing salad