🥗 Healthy Spicy Chickpea Salad
A fresh, zesty, spicy salad packed with chickpeas, crisp veggies, herbs, and a punchy dressing.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Salad
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1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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½ red onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2–3 tbsp cilantro (optional)
For the Spicy Dressing
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice (or lime)
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, extra tang)
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1–2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili flakes (adjust heat)
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the veggies
Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and herbs. Add to a large bowl.
2. Add chickpeas
Add rinsed chickpeas to the bowl and gently toss.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
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olive oil
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lemon juice
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vinegar (optional)
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garlic
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smoked paprika
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chili flakes
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cumin
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salt & pepper
4. Combine
Pour dressing over the salad.
Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill (optional)
Refrigerate 15–30 minutes to help flavors blend.
6. Serve
Enjoy on its own or serve with:
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pita
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grilled chicken
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falafel
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rice bowls
💡 Tips & Variations
✔ Make it extra spicy
Add fresh jalapeño slices, sriracha, or hot paprika.
✔ Make it creamy
Add 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing.
✔ Add protein
Great with quinoa, tuna, grilled tofu, or chicken.
✔ Add crunch
Stir in toasted pepitas, almonds, or croutons.
✔ Make it Mediterranean
Add olives, feta cheese, and oregano.
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
For the freshest texture, add cucumbers right before serving.
Q2: Can I use dried chickpeas?
Definitely—cook them until tender and use about 1.5 cups cooked.
Q3: Is it gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Q4: Can I make it oil-free?
Yes—replace the olive oil with more lemon juice and a splash of aquafaba (chickpea liquid).
Q5: Can I add avocado?
Absolutely! It adds creaminess—just fold it in gently so it doesn’t mash.