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Apple Chickpea Salad

Apple Chickpea Salad
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Apple Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, nourishing, and refreshing dish combining crisp apples, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick lunch, post-workout boost, or light dinner, this salad delivers natural energy without processed food crashes. It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and easily customizable, offering a crunchy texture and zesty flavor to energize your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/4 cup dried raisins or cranberries
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • Pinch of cumin or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. This keeps the salad light and clean-tasting.
  2. Chop the apples and veggies: Core and dice your chosen apples into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop red onion and fresh herbs, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine all ingredients: In your main mixing bowl, toss chickpeas, apples, onion, and herbs with the dressing. Make sure every ingredient is coated well for maximum flavor.
  5. Add optional extras: Sprinkle in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or any other desired add-ins, giving the salad an added layer of texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal apples: The quality of your apples dramatically influences the salad’s flavor and crispness.
  • Don’t skip rinsing chickpeas: It removes excess salt and improves the overall taste.
  • Add dressing gradually: Start with half the dressing, mix, then add more to avoid over-saturating the salad.
  • Chill before serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Experiment with herbs: Mint or dill can offer exciting twists if you want a fresh flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Chickpea Salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, healthy lunch, easy salad, chickpea recipe, fruit salad, plant-based protein

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/apple-chickpea-salad/