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Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

4.8 from 69 reviews

A refreshing and protein-packed Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad combining crisp vegetables, vibrant Thai-inspired dressing, and crunchy garnishes for an easy no-cook meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 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. Drain and Rinse Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander, allowing excess water to drain while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently stir to mix evenly.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, then gently toss with a spatula or large spoon to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Prepare Garnishes: Chop peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds to have them ready for topping.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and flavor.
  7. Enjoy: Serve immediately as a delicious, crunchy, and nutritious meal or side dish.

Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; however, the chickpeas may soften and the vegetables may lose crunch.
  • Add extra lime juice or soy sauce if you prefer a tangier or saltier dressing.
  • For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • To enhance protein content further, consider adding grilled tofu or cooked shrimp as a topping.
  • Feel free to swap peanuts for cashews or almonds if preferred or for nut allergies.

Keywords: Thai chickpea salad, crunchy salad, vegan salad, protein-packed salad, no-cook salad, healthy salad