Best Curried Chickpea Salad

Description

Best Curried Chickpea Salad

This Curried Chickpea Salad is a delicious twist on the classic ‘chicken’ salad, perfect for vegans and everyone who loves a good, flavorful meal. Packed with warm curry seasoning and creamy dressing, this salad is not only quick and easy to make but also loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re meal-prepping, making sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying it with some crunchy crackers, this salad is sure to be a hit! The ingredients are budget-friendly, and it keeps well for 4-5 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
½ small lemon (juice)
1 tsp curry powder
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 clove garlic
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup diced celery
¼ cup diced red onion
2 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
1. Mix dressing ingredients.
2. Mash chickpeas, mix all ingredients.
3. Serve in wraps or with crackers.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 274

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Curried Chickpea Salad.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mince the garlic clove and add it to the bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, uniform dressing.
2. Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a separate, larger mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the chickpeas to your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier texture, while others like it smoother.
3. Add the diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro to the mashed chickpeas.
4. Pour the prepared curry dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture.
5. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix if you want to maintain some texture.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. You can add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra dash of curry powder to suit your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a classic lunch, serve it as a sandwich filling on whole-grain bread or in a soft pita. It makes an excellent wrap with large lettuce leaves, spinach tortillas, or lavash. For a lighter option, scoop it onto a bed of fresh greens like spinach or arugula. It also pairs wonderfully as a dip with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper for a healthy snack.

How-to Summary

Quickly create this flavorful salad by whisking together a spiced vegan mayo dressing, mashing a can of chickpeas, and combining them with fresh diced veggies and herbs. Mix, season to taste, and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of vegan?
Absolutely. The recipe works perfectly with traditional mayonnaise if you are not following a vegan diet.

How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days, making it ideal for meal prep.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
Fresh parsley or dill make excellent substitutes, or you can simply omit the cilantro altogether.

Is there a way to make this oil-free?
Yes, you can substitute the vegan mayo with mashed avocado or a plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt for a different but still creamy result.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Certainly! Common and delicious additions include diced apple or grapes for sweetness, raisins, chopped nuts for crunch, or diced red bell pepper for extra color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Chickpeas: Ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly drained and rinsed to avoid a watery salad.
• Over-Mashing: Mashing the chickpeas into a complete paste can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for a coarse mash with some whole beans remaining.
• Skipping the Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the seasoning after mixing. The flavors, especially the lemon and spices, can vary based on your ingredients.
• Using Stale Spices: Curry powder and cumin lose their potency over time. For the brightest flavor, ensure your dried spices are fresh.

Conclusion

This Curried Chickpea Salad is a testament to how simple, affordable ingredients can be transformed into a deeply satisfying and nutritious meal. Its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors, combined with incredible versatility for serving, makes it a reliable staple for quick lunches and healthy snacks. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effortlessly create a dish that is both delicious and convenient for your weekly routine.