Easy & Flavorful Chickpea Salad Recipe

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Chickpea Salad

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious salad that's packed with protein and flavor? Look no further! This Chickpea Salad is incredibly easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you need a light lunch, a side dish, or a protein-packed snack, this recipe has you covered.

Why You'll Love This Chickpea Salad

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes!

  • Packed with Protein & Fiber: Chickpeas help you feel full and energized.

  • Customizable: Swap out veggies, adjust spice levels, or add your favorite toppings.

  • Meal-Prep Friendly: This salad stays fresh for days, making it perfect for lunches.

Let’s get started with the ingredients and instructions!

Ingredients for Chickpea Salad

Spiced Chickpeas

  • 1 can (15 oz) unsalted chickpeas, drained

  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust if using salted chickpeas)

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, skip if you don’t like spice)

Salad Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice (vinegar also works)

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or 2 tsp sugar)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Salad Base

  • 1 cup chopped cucumber

  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper

  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes

  • ½ cup chopped onion

  • ½ cup grated carrot

  • ½ cup finely chopped parsley

Optional Toppings: Lettuce, nuts, or seeds for serving.

How to Make Chickpea Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Chickpeas

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil.

  2. Add the drained chickpeas and season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne (if using).

  3. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the spices coat the chickpeas evenly.

  4. Once fragrant and well-coated, turn off the heat and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Salad Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.

  2. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste by adding more maple syrup or lemon juice if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, carrot, and parsley.

  2. Pour the dressing over the veggies and mix well.

  3. Add the spiced chickpeas and toss everything together.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a pinch more salt or pepper works wonders!).

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce for extra freshness.

  2. Top with your favorite nuts, seeds, or even almond crackers for a crunchy texture.

  3. Enjoy fresh or store for meal prep!

Chickpea Salad: A Versatile, Healthy Meal

This Chickpea Salad is vibrant, nutritious, and as tasty as it is simple. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just craving something fresh, this recipe is a winner.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad holds up well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for meal prepping. It’s the perfect light lunch or protein-packed snack!

Final Thoughts on This Protein-Packed Salad Recipe

Did you try it? Let me know in the comments how you customized yours! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who’d love it.

Happy cooking! 🥗💛

For exact measurements and printable instructions, check the full recipe below. Enjoy!

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