Easy Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs — a quick and easy salad with a refreshing and nutritious twist. Bursting with vibrant colours and robust flavours, this salad is a feast for the eyes and a celebration of wholesome ingredients. With protein-rich chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, complemented by a zesty ginger-infused dressing, it creates a delightful symphony of taste and texture.
Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a BBQ or potluck contribution, this fresh and flavourful salad promises to elevate any meal to new heights. Discover the perfect balance of taste and nutrition with this Chickpea Salad with Ginger Dressing recipe.
Ingredients for this quick and easy chickpea salad:
Let’s explore how the elements of this salad contribute to a harmonious blend of flavour and nourishment:
Chickpeas: The primary ingredient, chickpeas, provide a hearty and protein-rich base for the salad. They offer a nutty flavour and a satisfying texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These vibrant and juicy tomatoes add a burst of colour and sweetness to the salad. They contribute freshness and acidity, balancing the other flavours.
Fresh Basil and Italian Parsley: The combination of these fresh herbs adds layers of aromatic complexity to the salad. Basil offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavour, while parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
Salad Dressing Ingredients: Features a blend of extra-virgin olive oil for richness, apple cider vinegar for tangy acidity, and Dijon mustard for a pungent kick. Sweetness is added with maple syrup or honey, while finely grated fresh ginger infuses warmth and spice, creating a balanced and flavourful dressing.
Suggestions for adaptations and substitutes:
Feel free to get creative with these adaptations and substitutes to make the Chickpea Tomato Salad uniquely yours. You can easily adjust it to your taste preferences and ingredient availability while keeping its vibrant and refreshing essence intact. Let’s take a look at how to customise your salad experience:
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions, for additional crunch and flavour.
Leafy Greens: Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or arugula to boost the nutritional content of the salad and add more freshness.
Citrus Zest: Instead of or in addition to ginger, you can incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, for a citrusy twist to the dressing.
Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top of the salad to add crunch and texture.
Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the chickpea. Or try fresh mozzarella, especially in small balls. It offers a mild and creamy addition that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Vinegar Variations: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar as alternatives.
Sweetener Substitutes: Agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup or honey for sweetness, adjusting the amount according to taste.
Herb Varieties: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill to personalise the flavour profile of the salad.
Commonly asked questions for Chickpea Tomato Salad:
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the salad. To prepare the same amount from dried chickpeas, you would generally start with about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of dried chickpeas (225 g to 270 g). Keep in mind that dried chickpeas will expand and increase in volume as they cook.
Is there a way to make the salad more filling or add more protein?
Adding grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa to the salad can increase its protein content and make it more filling.
How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a BBQ or other gathering?
Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, wait to add any fresh herbs until just before serving to maintain their freshness. This can be done up to 30 minutes in advance as it allows the flavours to meld together and develop.
Looking for other chickpea salad recipes?
Try one of these favourites:
- Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas and Feta
- Chickpea Tomato Salad
- Nectarine Salad with Chickpeas and Tomato
- Chickpea Salad Zucchini and Carrot
Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes: Herb Infused with Ginger Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 × 400 g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 250 g cherry or mini-grape tomatoes, halved
- Generous handful fresh basil, thinly sliced (3-4 tablespoons)
- Generous handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (3-4 tablespoons)
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (unfiltered), or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, basil, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, ginger, salt, and pepper) until the dressing is well emulsified. Taste, and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or apple cider vinegar, if needed.
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Pour the dressing over the chickpea and tomato mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated. Let stand for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
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Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
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Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
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