Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad (Printer-friendly)
Protein-packed Thai chickpea salad with crunchy veggies and creamy peanut dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Salad Base
01 - 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
04 - 1 cup shredded carrots
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Peanut Dressing
09 - 3 tbsp natural creamy peanut butter
10 - 1 1/2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
12 - 2 tsp maple syrup
13 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2-3 tbsp water, to thin dressing
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, roughly chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, tamari, fresh lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add water one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the peanut dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture contrast is ridiculous creamy dressing meets crunch in every single bite
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge making it perfect meal prep territory
02 -
- The dressing thickens in the fridge so add another splash of water before serving leftovers
- Cucumber releases water as it sits so if making ahead toss it in right before serving
03 -
- Massage your cabbage with a pinch of salt before mixing to soften it just enough
- Toast your peanuts in a dry pan for 3 minutes first the warmth releases their oils