Looking for a quick, colorful, and nutrient-packed dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy? This Vibrant Chickpea Salad is your perfect go-to—ideal for meal prep or a fresh, satisfying meal anytime. Bursting with fresh veggies, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this versatile recipe can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins. Whether it’s a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite, this salad is sure to impress and inspire. This salad is as flexible as your creativity—add your favorite toppings, experiment with dressings, and make it your own!
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
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1 tetra pack (about 15 oz) organic chickpeas (look for water and/or lightly salted only, no preservatives), drained and rinsed
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1 small red onion, finely diced
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2 medium tomatoes, chopped
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2 stalks of celery, sliced
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¼ cup kalamata olives, halved
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1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or your favorite lettuce)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp of fresh basil, finely chopped
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup chopped carrots
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¼ cup sliced radishes
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
Be creative! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, nuts, or even experiment with fruits to make this salad uniquely yours.
Instructions
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Prepare the base: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, tomatoes, celery, olives, spinach (or lettuce), and parsley. Add any of the optional ingredients you like for extra texture and flavor.
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Dress the salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the ingredients.
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Season to taste: Add salt and pepper, adjusting as desired.
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Serve immediately or chill: Serve right away for a fresh crunch or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Why We Love Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are tiny but mighty! These legumes are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans. They’re also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer. Plus, chickpeas are packed with iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to energy production and overall well-being. Adding them to your salad not only enhances its flavor but also supercharges its nutritional value!
Why Choose Spinach Over Lettuce?
Spinach is a nutrient superstar! Compared to most lettuces, spinach offers more iron for blood health, calcium for strong bones, and vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes. While lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, spinach is the powerhouse that makes your salad more nourishing and satisfying.
Crunchy Mama Tip: Don’t throw away the chickpea water! Known as aquafaba, it can be whipped into a delightful dessert like meringue or mousse, or if it’s from chickpeas soaked in lightly salted water, use it to make vegan mayo or as a binder in savory dishes.
