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Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

4.8 from 150 reviews

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with a colorful mix of vegetables and a tangy, creamy tahini-based dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side, it combines crisp bell peppers, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and chickpeas tossed in a zesty dressing with lime juice, soy sauce, and a hint of honey. Garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds, this salad delivers a satisfying crunch and authentic Thai-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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

Dressing Ingredients

  • 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

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Rinse Chickpeas: Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water using a colander and allow them to drain completely to remove excess liquid.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas along with shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently toss to mix evenly.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently using salad tongs or two large spoons to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the vegetables.
  5. Add Garnishes: Chop peanuts and fresh cilantro finely. Sprinkle the peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds evenly on top of the dressed salad for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the salad immediately fresh to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors. It works well as a light lunch or as a side dish to your main meal.

Notes

  • For extra protein, add some grilled chicken or tofu.
  • Adjust the honey to taste for more or less sweetness.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
  • The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but dressing may cause the veggies to soften.

Keywords: Thai Chickpea Salad, Crunchy Salad, Vegan Salad, Healthy Thai Salad, Chickpea Recipes, No-Cook Salad, Vegan Lunch