Print

Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

5 from 70 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Thai-inspired chickpea salad featuring a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a tangy sesame-tahini dressing. Garnished with peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds, this salad offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 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

  • 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

Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Drain and Rinse Chickpeas: Start by draining the canned chickpeas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Allow them to drain completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to mix all the vegetables evenly without mashing the chickpeas.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently toss everything together to ensure each ingredient is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Prepare Garnishes: Chop the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds to prepare for garnishing the salad.
  6. Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds evenly over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu if desired.
  • If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; however, the crunchiness may lessen over time.
  • Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

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