Description
This vibrant and refreshing Thai chickpea salad is the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a creamy peanut dressing that’s both sweet and savory. It’s easy to prepare, full of bold flavors, and works great as a light lunch or a side dish. Whether you’re looking for something healthy or just love Thai-inspired flavors, this salad will hit the spot!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing, as needed)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
2️⃣ In a separate small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
3️⃣ Add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water to the dressing and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired consistency.
4️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
5️⃣ Let the salad sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
6️⃣ Top with chopped peanuts right before serving for an added crunch (optional).
Notes
- You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the peanuts right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- For extra protein, feel free to add grilled chicken or tofu.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 min