Name: Refreshing Chickpea and Celery Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups celery; 1 cup seedless English cucumber; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro; 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves; 2 cups cooked chickpeas; 1 Thai chili pepper; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp coconut sugar; 3/8 tsp salt; 0.5 tbsp roasted black sesame seeds; Replace chickpeas with cooked white beans or lentils.; Substitute cilantro with parsley if preferred.; Mint leaves can be replaced with basil for a different flavor profile.; For a nuttier flavor in the dressing

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Refreshing Chickpea and Celery Salad – Perfect for Healthy Lunches

Today, I want to share a recipe that’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal: Refreshing Chickpea and Celery Salad. As someone who has spent a lot of time in the kitchen, both professionally and at home, I’ve learned the importance of having some simple, go-to recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare.

This salad is one of my favorites because it’s not only healthy but also brings a lot of refreshing flavors to the table. It’s perfect for those busy days when you still want to eat something that’s good for you. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple in many Latin American dishes and are loved for their versatility and protein content. Combined with the crispness of fresh celery and a zesty dressing, this salad is a delight!

I often enjoy this salad after a morning spent sea fishing or playing my guitar. It’s a great way to replenish energy without feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which means more time to enjoy the things I love. I hope this salad becomes a favorite in your home too, bringing a bit of joy and lots of health to your table. Let’s get into how to make it!

Chef’s Notes – Refreshing Chickpea and Celery Salad

Ingredient Prep Tips: Mention that celery should be as fresh and crisp as possible for the best crunch. For the chickpeas, if using canned, ensure they are well-rinsed and drained to avoid any residual canned taste.
Dressing Preparation: Emphasize the importance of emulsifying the dressing properly by whisking until the oil and lemon juice are thoroughly blended. This creates a more cohesive and flavorful dressing.
Flavor Enhancement: Suggest letting the salad sit refrigerated for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together more fully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions: Provide options for customization like substituting cilantro with parsley for those who might not enjoy the taste of cilantro, or using basil instead of mint for a different flavor profile. These suggestions cater to varying taste preferences and can make the recipe more versatile.
Nutritional Advice: Highlight the health benefits of the main ingredients. For example, chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, making this salad not only refreshing but also filling and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions: Offer ideas for making the meal more substantial if desired, such as adding grilled tofu, chicken, or fish. Also, suggest pairing with a rustic bread or crackers for added texture and satiety.
Variations for Dietary Needs: Acknowledge dietary restrictions by suggesting alternative ingredients like erythritol instead of coconut sugar for those watching their sugar intake, or walnut oil in place of sesame oil for a different nutritional profile.
Storage Tips: Advise on how to store the salad effectively, noting that it can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, which is perfect for meal prep.
Garnishing Recommendations: Encourage garnishing with extra herbs or a sprinkle of toasted seeds right before serving to maintain their texture and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
Taste Adjustment: Remind readers to taste and adjust the seasoning of the salad after it has sat for a while, as flavors can change and develop over time.

Refreshing Chickpea and Celery Salad

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Dive into the freshness of our Chickpea and Celery Salad, a vibrant dish that promises to delight your taste buds and boost your health! This salad combines crunchy celery, juicy cucumbers, and protein-rich chickpeas, tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious side dish, this salad is vegan, gluten-free, and can be adapted for a paleo diet. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weekdays or leisurely weekend brunches.

Course: SaladCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Total time

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Vegetables
2.5 cups celery finely chopped
1 cup seedless English cucumber diced
Herbs
0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves minced
Protein
2 cups cooked chickpeas (optional)
Spices
1 Thai chili pepper thinly sliced
Dressing
1 tsp sesame oil
1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp coconut sugar (or erythritol for a lower carb option)
3/8 tsp salt
0.5 tbsp roasted black sesame seeds
Alternative Ingredients:
Replace chickpeas with cooked white beans or lentils.
Substitute cilantro with parsley if preferred.
Mint leaves can be replaced with basil for a different flavor profile.
For a nuttier flavor in the dressing use walnut oil instead of sesame oil.

Directions

Combine celery, cucumber, cilantro, mint leaves, chickpeas (if using), and Thai chili pepper in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, olive oil, lemon juice, coconut sugar (or erythritol), and salt until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. If not serving immediately, cover the bowl and refrigerate to let flavors meld together for up to 3 days.