Get ready to transform your lunch routine with a mind-blowing salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This Chopped Chickpea Salad with Peanut Sauce is about to revolutionize your taste buds with its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. Imagine a dish that's packed with protein, bursting with freshness, and takes just 10 minutes to prepare - sounds too good to be true? Believe it! Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who simply loves delicious, quick meals, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas under cold water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
- Next, wash the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the red onion finely. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help reduce its sharpness.
- Add the drained chickpeas to the mixing bowl with the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the peanut sauce. Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to an hour for a chilled option.
- Serve the chopped chickpea salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Drain chickpeas thoroughly to ensure your salad doesn't become watery
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the chickpeas briefly before adding to the salad
- Use room temperature peanut butter for easier sauce mixing
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- For added crunch, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
