Quick Chickpea Salad

Chickpea Salad Recipe with Lemon, Onion, and Garlic from Pakistan

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Quick Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be whipped up in no time. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. The combination of chickpeas, onions, garlic, and lime juice creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chickpeas have been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. This Quick Chickpea Salad recipe takes inspiration from traditional dishes that use chickpeas as a main ingredient. The addition of lime juice adds a zesty twist to the classic flavors, making this salad a modern and refreshing take on a timeless dish.

Ingredients

1 can (16 oz or 454 g) of drained chickpeas
0.25 - 0.5 cup of lemon or lime juice
0.5 chopped onion
2 minced cloves of garlic
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

To prepare this recipe, start by chopping up the onion and mincing the garlic.
In a sealed plastic container, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Shake the container to ensure thorough mixing.
If desired, you can add orange juice to the mixture, although it is optional. Personally, I prefer it without orange juice.
Adjust the amount of lemon or lime juice according to your taste preferences.
This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious, making it perfect for a last-minute meal.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and crunch.
Mix in some crumbled feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or tahini for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas before using them in the salad to remove any excess sodium.

- For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the chickpeas with a fork before mixing them with the other ingredients.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika, or cilantro, to add extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Quick Chickpea Salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great topping for a bed of mixed greens or a filling for a wrap or sandwich.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking, making it a quick and easy option for a healthy meal. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a container and shake to combine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lime juice on hand, you can use lemon juice as a substitute. You can also swap out the onion for shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Quick Chickpea Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Quick Chickpea Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple grain dish like quinoa or couscous. It also goes well with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Quick Chickpea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Quick Chickpea Salad contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Quick Chickpea Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the chickpeas, which are a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the olive oil used to dress the salad. The healthy fats in olive oil can help to promote heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.

Proteins

Quick Chickpea Salad is a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving containing around 10 grams of protein. Chickpeas are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to function properly.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains chickpeas, which are a legume. If you have a legume allergy, be sure to avoid this dish or substitute the chickpeas with another type of bean.

Summary

Quick Chickpea Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, high in protein and fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy option for a quick and easy meal or snack.

Summary

Quick Chickpea Salad is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With its fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish for a complete and balanced meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Quick Chickpea Salad. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Claire for our weekly tea time. As we chatted and sipped on our Earl Grey, Claire mentioned that she had recently tried a new salad recipe that she thought I would love.

She described it as a simple yet flavorful dish made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she happily obliged. As she recited the ingredients and steps to me, I could already taste the delicious combination of flavors in my mind.

After bidding Claire farewell, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work in my kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and mixed the dressing, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.

Once the salad was assembled and ready to be served, I took a moment to admire the colorful array of ingredients before me. The vibrant red peppers, crisp cucumbers, and hearty chickpeas all looked so inviting and appetizing.

I took a bite of the salad and was instantly transported to a place of culinary bliss. The flavors danced on my taste buds, each ingredient complementing the other perfectly. The crunch of the vegetables paired with the creamy texture of the chickpeas was a match made in heaven.

From that moment on, Quick Chickpea Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that fateful day at Claire's house and smile at the serendipitous discovery of this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. Sometimes I would throw in some feta cheese for a creamy and salty kick, or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of flavor.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family who have all raved about its simplicity and deliciousness. It has become a beloved dish in my household, and I am always happy to whip up a batch whenever the occasion calls for it.

As I write this, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The joy of discovering a new recipe and sharing it with loved ones is a feeling like no other. I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to Quick Chickpea Salad, and I look forward to many more years of enjoying this delightful dish.