Spiced Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
Spiced Chickpea and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the protein-rich goodness of chickpeas with the crispness of cucumber and a burst of fresh flavors. The spiced chickpeas add a delightful crunch and a hint of warmth, while the combination of vegetables and herbs creates a harmonious medley.
INGREDIENTS
For Spiced Chickpeas:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Spiced Chickpeas:
In a bowl, toss the cooked chickpeas with olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the spiced chickpeas and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro or parsley.
Add the cooked and spiced chickpeas to the bowl.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
Assembling the Dish:
Serve the Spiced Chickpea and Cucumber Salad in bowls or on plates.
Garnish with extra cilantro or parsley if desired.
TIPS
Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado to the salad for added variety.
For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top of the salad.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
- Protein: About 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
