Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad
This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is vibrant, flavorful, and full of textures. Crispy chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy-sweet Thai-inspired dressing make it a refreshing, protein-packed meal or side. You can keep it non-spicy or add mild chili for extra heat. Perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for roasting chickpeas)
Total time: ~20 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Salad
1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
Dressing
2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp grated ginger
Optional: ¼ tsp mild chili flakes
Optional Toppings
1 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews
1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the chickpeas
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss chickpeas with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
Roast for 10 minutes until slightly crispy.
2️⃣ Prepare the dressing
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and optional chili flakes in a small bowl.
3️⃣ Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
Add roasted chickpeas.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4️⃣ Serve
Top with sesame seeds and roasted nuts. Serve immediately for crunch or chill for 15–20 minutes for marinated flavor.
Tips & Variations
Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp
Extra crunch: Add sliced radishes, cucumber, or snap peas
Meal prep: Keep dressing separate to maintain chickpea crunch
Low-carb option: Reduce or skip carrots and cabbage
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes—this salad is naturally vegan.
Can chickpeas be used without roasting?
Yes, but roasting gives extra crunch and flavor.
Can it be spicy?
Yes—add fresh chili or sriracha to the dressing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 9 g
Calcium: ~8% DV