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–+ servings
easy Indian salad with chickpeas in a blue bowl

Indian Chickpea Salad

By Shiny Samuel
Indian Chickpea Salad is a healthy, protein-packed dish with fresh veggies, spices, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a light meal, side dish, or meal prep, ready in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serving Size 4

Video

Ingredients
 

  • 400 gms chickpeas
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1-2 green chillies
  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves cilantro
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder or paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp chat masala
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Canned Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, take a can of chickpeas, drain them in a colander, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Let the excess water drain completely before adding it to the salad.
  • Dry Chickpeas: Refer to the instructions above for cooking dry chickpeas (chana/chole) before using them in the salad.
  • Vegetables: Chop the onion, cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper into small pieces.
  • Finely chop coriander leaves, mint, green chilies and mince the garlic (or use ½ teaspoon of fresh garlic paste—avoid store-bought paste for this recipe).

Salad

  • In a large bowl, add the cooked chickpeas (cooled to room temperature). Mix in the chopped vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper), finely chopped green chili, and freshly chopped coriander and mint leaves.
    400 gms chickpeas, 1 cucumber, 1 small onion, 1 medium tomato, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1/2 cup coriander leaves, 1/4 cup mint leaves, 1-2 green chillies
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lime or lemon juice, red chili powder or paprika, cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and crushed black pepper.
    1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp chat masala, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
  • Enjoy this vibrant and healthy salad as a wholesome meal, refreshing snack, or flavorful side dish!

Notes

  • If you are using Indian cucumbers then peel them and remove the seeds before dicing them (Indian cucumbers can have big seeds and thick and bitter skin so it is better to remove them for this recipe), but if you are using English cucumbers, chop them with the seeds and skin.
  • Chaat Masala: This is a flavorful Indian spice blend made with cumin, dry mango powder, and other aromatic spices. Chat Masala adds a tangy and savory kick to the salad and is commonly available at local Indian grocery stores. 
  • Make-Ahead Tips: To save time, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and cook the chickpeas, then store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately and refrigerate it as well. Before serving, bring the vegetables to room temperature, drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and enjoy!