Dinner

Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad – A Fresh, Protein-Packed Vegan Meal Recipe

Name: Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad – A Fresh, Protein-Packed Vegan Meal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 2 tbsp tahini; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ tsp sesame seeds

ByRafael Mansero October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

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Introduction

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and protein-packed vegan dish that combines fresh vegetables with a flavorful tahini dressing. It’s perfect as a light meal or a tasty side that adds a refreshing crunch to your day.

A close-up of a colorful chickpea salad served on a square white plate, featuring three main layers visible: the bottom layer has light beige chickpeas, the middle layer contains thin strips of bright orange carrots and red bell peppers, and the top layer includes chopped green cilantro and small pieces of purple onion mixed throughout, all sitting on a white marbled surface. The salad looks fresh with a slight shine from dressing, with the layers evenly mixed but chickpeas remaining dominant. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped green onions
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
½ tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Let them drain thoroughly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to mix well.
Step 3: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently with a spatula or large spoon to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the garnishes by chopping the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measuring out the sesame seeds.
Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds on top.
Step 7: Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy meal or side dish. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a fully vegan dish, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Add cucumber or snap peas for extra crunch and freshness.
Toast the sesame seeds and peanuts lightly for a deeper nutty flavor.
Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus brightness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release some water over time, so stir before serving. For best texture, add garnishes fresh when ready to eat. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a vibrant chickpea salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has plump, light beige chickpeas as the main layer, mixed evenly with bright orange thin carrot strips, thin slices of purple-red onion, small pieces of red bell pepper, and chopped green herbs, likely cilantro. The ingredients appear fresh and slightly glossy, with a bit of crushed light-colored nuts or seeds sprinkled throughout, adding texture. The bowl is full, with the salad slightly mounded on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can cook dried chickpeas ahead of time. Make sure they are fully cooked and cooled before using in the salad. Using canned chickpeas is a quick and convenient option.