Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing

🥗 Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing

📖 Description

This refreshing salad is light, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors. Juicy cucumbers, protein-rich chickpeas, and a tangy yogurt dressing come together to create a cooling dish—perfect for warm days or as a healthy side. It’s quick to make, nutritious, and has a delicious balance of crunch and creaminess.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 can (or 1½ cups cooked) chickpeas (chana)
• 1 large cucumber (chopped)
• ¼ red onion (finely sliced)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or coriander (chopped)

For the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients
   Rinse and drain chickpeas. Chop cucumber and onion.
2. Make Dressing
   In a bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin until smooth.
3. Combine
   Add chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and herbs into a large bowl.
4. Mix
   Pour dressing over and toss well until everything is coated.
5. Chill (Optional)
   Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for better flavor.
6. Serve
   Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes! Greek yogurt makes it thicker and creamier.

Q2: How long does it last?
Up to 2 days in the fridge, but best eaten fresh.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely—tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots work great.

Q4: Is it good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s high in protein and low in calories.

Q5: Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt.