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Cabbage Chickpea Salad

Cabbage Chickpea Salad

Cabbage Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed, and easy-to-make salad combining crunchy green cabbage, creamy chickpeas, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This healthy, fiber-rich, plant-based dish supports digestion, boosts immunity, and delivers satisfying protein, making it perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or nourishing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

Optional Variations

  • 1 avocado, diced (for added creaminess and healthy fats)
  • Replace green cabbage with purple cabbage (for vibrant color and antioxidants)
  • Chili flakes or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (for added crunch and richness)
  • Tahini or yogurt-based dressing as an alternative to lemon-olive oil dressing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely shred the green cabbage and thinly slice the red onion and red bell pepper to ensure a balanced crunch and flavor in every bite.
  2. Rinse and drain chickpeas: Thoroughly rinse canned chickpeas under cold water to remove excess salt and soften their texture before adding them to the salad bowl.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional ground cumin until the mixture is emulsified and vibrant.
  4. Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, and parsley with the dressing, mixing well to coat all ingredients evenly and blend the flavors.
  5. Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly for a more tender texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Gently massage the cabbage with a pinch of salt before assembling the salad to soften its texture and make it more tender.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste—too much acidity can overpower the salad, while a balanced amount brightens and enhances flavors.
  • Prepare the salad a few hours ahead if possible; it tastes even better after resting.
  • Add fresh parsley or other herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, fiber rich salad, plant based protein, easy salad recipe