Name: Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ¼ cup thinly sliced red cabbage; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 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; 1 tbsp chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ tsp sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Loaded with crisp vegetables and a zesty tahini dressing, it offers a satisfying crunch and a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

The image shows a white speckled bowl filled with a colorful salad that has several layers. The bottom layer consists of chopped purple cabbage with a crinkly texture, mixed with bright orange shredded carrots. Above this is a layer of chickpeas, tender and round, scattered throughout. There are chunks of red bell pepper adding bold red color and a mix of chopped green onions and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Some cashew nuts add a light beige and slightly shiny texture. The salad is drizzled with a creamy orange dressing that partially coats the ingredients, and a gold spoon is partially submerged in the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup diced red bell pepper
¼ cup thinly sliced red cabbage
2 tbsp chopped green onions
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
1 tbsp chopped peanuts
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and allow them to drain.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, red cabbage, and green onions.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mix and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Step 5: Prepare garnishes by chopping peanuts and cilantro; sprinkle them along with sesame seeds on top before serving.
Step 6: Serve immediately for a refreshing meal or side.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or tofu cubes.
Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus note.
Add cucumber or snap peas for extra crunch and freshness.
If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Toast the sesame seeds and peanuts lightly to enhance their flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chickpeas and vegetables will keep crisp, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh. If the dressing separates, give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Avoid refrigerating with garnishes to keep peanuts and sesame seeds crunchy; add them just before eating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with six colorful layers arranged in sections: bright red bell pepper pieces on the right, light beige chickpeas next to them, fresh chopped green herbs at the bottom, shredded orange carrots on the left, sliced light green scallions near the top left, and shredded vibrant purple cabbage on the top right. A creamy, thick yellow sauce is being poured from a speckled bowl above into the center of the colorful mix, with a lime half blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad base and dressing separately in advance, but it’s best to combine and add garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Is this salad vegan?

As written, this salad is vegan if you use a plant-based honey substitute or omit the honey. Otherwise, it’s vegetarian with honey included.