Healthy Chickpea Salad: A Zesty, Protein-Rich Recipe

The healthy chickpea salad with fresh veggies and a lemon dressing is a perfect quick meal you can have any time of the day!

This healthy chickpea salad is a delightful blend of protein-rich chickpeas and fresh, crunchy vegetables like tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Infused with vibrant flavours of Indian spices and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Perfect for a quick snack or a light meal, it is versatile enough to enjoy on its own or with Indian flatbreads like naan and roti. What makes this recipe unique is its ability to deliver a burst of flavour without any oil, making it an ideal choice for those focused on healthy eating.

Fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein—this chickpea salad is a bowl of goodness in every bite!

Healthy Chickpea Salad: Zesty & Protein-Packed Delight

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Prep time	10 Minutes
Cooking Time	10 Minutes
Total Times	20 minutes
Serving	4-6 person
Calories	274 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas (cooked, drained, and rinsed)
• 1 large finely chopped tomato
• 1 medium finely chopped onion
• 1 medium capsicum (diced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped coriander
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon black salt (or regular salt as per taste)
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney (optional)
• 1 tablespoon green chutney (optional)

Instructions

Preparation:

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak 1 cup overnight in water. Drain, rinse, and cook in a pressure cooker or pot until tender.
2. Dice 1 large tomato, 1 medium onion, 1 medium bell pepper, and 1 medium cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces.

Making Chickpea Salad:

1. In a pan, add 1 teaspoon oil, boiled chickpea, salt as per taste, and Kashmiri red chilli powder and sauté well.
2. Transfer the chickpea into a large mixing bowl, along with the chopped vegetables.
3. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of chaat masala, ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, and ½ teaspoon of black salt. You can adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander and 1 finely chopped green chilli.
5. Then, add 1 tablespoon each of tamarind chutney and green chutney.
6. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

1. Calories: 274 kcal
2. Protein: 9 g
3. Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g
4. Carbohydrates: 32 g
5. Fibre: 10 g
6. Sugar: 8 g
7. Sodium: 599 mg
8. Potassium: 405 mg

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for the chickpea salad recipe:

1. You can also use the salad as a filling for whole-wheat wraps or pita bread. This makes for a convenient and nutritious lunch option.
2. Enjoy the chickpea salad on its own as a light and refreshing meal. Its protein-rich content makes it filling and satisfying.
3. Serve the salad alongside warm naan or roti for a complete meal. The combination of the salad with flatbreads adds a hearty touch.

FAQs:

1. Can I use canned chickpeas for this salad?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using them to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I make this salad spicier?

To add more spice, include finely chopped green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

3. Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good toss before serving.

4. What can I use as a substitute for lemon juice?

If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or apple cider vinegar as an alternative. Both will add a tangy flavour to the salad.

5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Prepare and store the salad in airtight containers in the fridge. It remains fresh for up to 2 days.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to include additional vegetables like grated carrots, radishes, or corn for added crunch and variety.

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