Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
why make this recipe
Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that brings the freshness of vegetables together with the creaminess of a tasty peanut dressing. This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it is also packed with nutrition, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a vibrant side dish, this salad will satisfy your cravings while keeping your health in mind.
how to make Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (various colors)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, curry powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
how to serve Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
Serve this salad as a main dish or as a side at your next gathering or picnic. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a refreshing meal. Garnish with extra cilantro or chopped peanuts for added texture and taste.
how to store Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more after a day, making it just as delicious the next day. For best results, consume within 3 to 4 days.
tips to make Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of peanut butter based on your preference for creaminess.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, corn, or tofu for more variety.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
variation
You can easily swap out the chickpeas for other beans like black beans or kidney beans. Additionally, use different nuts like cashews or almonds in the dressing for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.
3. Can I use other nut butters in the dressing?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be great alternatives to peanut butter.
4. How can I make this salad spicier?
You can add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.
Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, curry powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.