Curried chickpea salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, snacks, or a light dinner. With tender chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spiced dressing, this salad is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone looking for a quick and healthy meal, curried chickpea salad is a fantastic choice.
This dish blends the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the warmth of curry powder, balanced by creamy mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a salad on its own, a sandwich filling, or as a side dish at gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Curried Chickpea Salad
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Protein-Packed: Chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein source, keeping you full and energized.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
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Customizable: Add apples, raisins, or nuts for sweetness and crunch.
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Healthy & Wholesome: Made with nutritious ingredients and minimal processed foods.
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Versatile: Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a standalone salad.
Equipment
To make this salad, you’ll need:
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Medium mixing bowl
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Fork or potato masher
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Whisk or spoon for mixing dressing
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cutting board and knife
Ingredients List for Curried Chickpea Salad
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2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
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2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 celery stalk, finely chopped
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½ red onion, finely chopped
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1 small apple, diced (optional for sweetness)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional mix-ins: chopped fresh parsley, raisins, toasted almonds or cashews
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
How to Make Curried Chickpea Salad
Step 1. Prepare the Chickpeas
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Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
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Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
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Lightly mash half of the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.
Step 2. Prepare the Dressing
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In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, curry powder, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
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Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional curry powder as needed.
Step 3. Mix the Salad
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Add chopped celery, red onion, and apple to the mashed chickpeas.
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Pour the dressing over the mixture.
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Stir gently until everything is well coated.
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Fold in optional mix-ins like raisins, nuts, or parsley.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
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For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, in wraps, or enjoy on its own.
Tips for the Best Curried Chickpea Salad
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Adjust Curry Heat: Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you like stronger flavor.
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Mash Half: Mashing only half of the chickpeas gives the salad a creamy texture while keeping some bite.
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Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley adds freshness and color.
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Sweet & Crunchy: Diced apples, grapes, or toasted nuts provide a delightful contrast.
Variations to Try
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Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo instead of regular mayonnaise.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
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Mediterranean Twist: Include chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Wrap-Friendly: Use as a filling in tortillas or pita pockets for a portable meal.
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Fruit & Nut Mix: Add dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 7g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 320mg
Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
If bright, fresh salads are a regular part of your meals, you’ll likely enjoy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad, BLT Pasta Salad , or Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad as well.
Curried Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
- Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
- Lightly mash half of the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, curry powder, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional curry powder as needed.
- Add chopped celery, red onion, and apple to the mashed chickpeas.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Stir gently until everything is well coated.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like raisins, nuts, or parsley.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, in wraps, or enjoy on its own.
Conclusion
Curried chickpea salad is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that fits into a healthy lifestyle. Its balance of creamy texture, mild curry spice, and fresh vegetables makes it an appealing choice for anyone seeking a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone salad, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Its protein-rich chickpeas and customizable add-ins allow you to tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or need a quick lunch, curried chickpea salad is a reliable, tasty, and healthy option.
Recipe FAQs
1- Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas are perfect. Just drain and rinse them well.
2- How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
3- Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayonnaise or plant-based yogurt instead of regular mayo.
4- Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots work well.
5- Is it good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep since it keeps well and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
6- Can I use spices other than curry powder?
You can experiment with turmeric, cumin, or garam masala for different flavor profiles.