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Curried Chickpea Salad

Curried Chickpea Salad

Curried Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish combining tender chickpeas with a flavorful curry-spiced yogurt dressing, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or protein-packed snack, it offers a delicious blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy textures that cater to vegan and gluten-free diets while packing a nutritious punch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
  • 1½ teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 2 tablespoons toasted nuts (almonds, cashews, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower)
  • 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped apples
  • Diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain well to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness. For dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook until tender.
  2. Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Dice the celery and red onion finely to add crunch and flavor. Chop fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek or vegan yogurt with curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, balancing tartness and spice to your preference.
  4. Mix Everything Together: Fold the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and herbs gently into the dressing, ensuring everything is evenly coated while keeping texture intact.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality, fresh curry powder for authentic and vibrant flavor.
  • Fold ingredients gently to avoid mashing chickpeas and maintain texture.
  • Add a splash of water or extra yogurt if the dressing feels too thick.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.
  • Serve garnished with toasted almonds or cashews and a sprinkle of paprika or extra fresh herbs for added crunch and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: curried chickpea salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, healthy snack, easy chickpea recipe, curry salad, plant-based protein salad