Turkish Chickpea Salad

Hey there, friends! 🌞 I’m stoked to share a new recipe that’s become a go-to in my kitchen—Turkish Chickpea Salad. This salad is a delightful mix of spiced chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a tangy kick that’s perfect for any meal. It’s super easy to throw together and packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty side dish, this salad’s got your back. Let’s get into it and have some fun in the kitchen!

Try my Vegan Chickpea Coronation recipe.

What you’ll need to make Turkish Chickpea Salad

Let’s chat about what makes this Turkish Chickpea Salad so special.

• Chickpeas: These little guys are the heart of our salad. Packed with protein and fiber, they get all cozy with spices like garam masala, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Yum!
• Veggies Galore: We’re talking thinly sliced onions and red peppers, crunchy red cabbage, and some sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is a party of flavors and textures.
• Garlic & Onions: You know these two—they’re the dynamic duo that adds that savory goodness we all love.
• Zesty Kick: A splash of red wine vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice make everything pop with brightness. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
• Herby Goodness: Fresh cilantro and basil bring in that extra freshness and aroma. It’s like a garden in your bowl!
• Spices: A pinch of sumac, chili powder, and cumin gives this salad its unique and irresistible flavor.

Mix all these up, and you’ve got a salad that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavors. Perfect for any meal or as a side dish. Enjoy! 🥗😋

Try my Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love this Turkish Chickpea Salad:

1. 1| Flavor Explosion: It’s packed with a vibrant blend of spices like garam masala, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, giving every bite a burst of deliciousness.
2. 2| Texture Galore: From the hearty chickpeas to the crunchy red cabbage and peppers, each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures that keep things interesting.
3. 3| Easy Peasy: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up—even on busy days!
4. 4| Versatile Vibes: Whether you enjoy it warm straight from the skillet or chilled for a refreshing side dish, this salad is versatile enough to fit any mealtime mood.
5. 5| Healthy and Hearty: Packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, veggies, and herbs, it’s a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
6. 6| Perfect for Sharing: It’s a crowd-pleaser! Whip up a batch for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Get ready to fall in love with this Turkish Chickpea Salad—it’s a feast for your senses and a joy to share!

Try my Lamb and Chickpea Stuffed Peppers recipe.

What you’ll need to do to make Turkish Chickpea Salad

Alright, let’s whip up some tasty Turkish Chickpea Salad!

Prepare the Chickpeas:

• Heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss in the chickpeas. Stir them around for about a minute until they’re coated in that lovely oil. Now, sprinkle in all those aromatic chickpea spices—garam masala, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook this flavorful mix for about 5 minutes until the chickpeas turn golden and start smelling amazing. Transfer everything to a big bowl, making sure to scrape in all those delicious spices from the skillet.

Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet (no need to wash it—extra flavor!), pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic. Stir them around frequently for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften up and the garlic fills the air with its awesome aroma. Now, add in the red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

• Take the skillet off the heat and let everything cool down a bit. Once it’s cooled slightly, stir in the red wine vinegar, sumac, chili powder, cumin, and optional coconut sugar if you like a hint of sweetness. Mix it all up nicely. Now, add these flavorful veggies to the bowl with the chickpeas. Toss in the chopped red cabbage, cilantro, basil, and squeeze in that fresh lemon juice. Give it all a good mix until everything’s beautifully combined.

Enjoy:

• You can serve this delightful salad warm or chill it in the fridge for a bit to enjoy it cold. Either way, it’s bursting with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance!

There you go! This should make cooking up your Turkish Chickpea Salad a breeze. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Here are some fun substitution and improvisation ideas to tweak your Turkish Chickpea Salad to your taste:

Substitutions:

Chickpeas: Swap chickpeas with black beans or lentils for a different texture and flavor.

Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer a different oil base.

Garam Masala: Replace with curry powder or a mix of ground coriander and cumin or a store bought garam masala premix for a different spice profile.

Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika or chipotle powder can be used if you like it smoky with a bit of heat.

Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can give a slightly different but delicious tang.

Coconut Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar if you don’t have coconut sugar on hand.

Red Cabbage: Green cabbage or kale can be great alternatives for that crunchy texture.

Cilantro and Basil: Parsley, mint, or dill can be used if you’re not a fan of cilantro or basil.

Improvisations:

Add More Veggies: Throw in some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

Make It a Meal: Add cooked quinoa, bulgur, or couscous to turn this salad into a more filling main dish.

Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

Cheesy Goodness: Crumble some feta or goat cheese on top for a cream, tangy addition.

Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle with toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.

Dress It Up: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamier dressing.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas and make this Turkish Chickpea Salad uniquely yours. Enjoy the culinary adventure! 🥗✨

Some useful tips for the recipe

Here are some useful tips to make your Turkish Chickpea Salad even better:

Dry the Chickpeas:

• After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them get nice and crispy when you cook them with the spices.

Toast the Spices:

• For an extra depth of flavor, toast the spices in the skillet for a minute before adding the chickpeas. This brings out their aromas and intensifies the taste.

Thinly Slice the Veggies:

• Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get the onion and red pepper super thin. This ensures they mix well with the other ingredients and adds to the salad’s texture.

Let It Marinate:

• If you have time, let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adjust to Taste:

• Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning to your liking. Taste as you go and add more salt, lemon juice, or herbs if needed.

Serve It Fresh:

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Keep Herbs Fresh:

• Add the fresh cilantro and basil just before serving to keep them vibrant and full of flavor.

Customize the Crunch:

• If you like extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds on top right before serving.

Play with the Acidity:

• The red wine vinegar and lemon juice add a nice tang, but you can also try adding a splash of orange juice or lime juice for a different twist.

Serve with Extras:

• Pair this salad with some warm pita bread or flatbread on the side for a more filling meal.

These tips will help you get the most out of your Turkish Chickpea Salad and make it a dish to remember. Happy cooking! 🥳

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Some serving suggestions

Here are some fun and tasty serving ideas for your Turkish Chickpea Salad:

As a Main Dish:

• Serve the salad in a big bowl, and enjoy it as a hearty, standalone meal. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

With Pita Bread:

• Scoop the salad into warm pita bread or wrap it in flatbread for a delicious and portable meal.

Taco Style:

• Use the salad as a filling for soft tortillas, and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist on tacos.

Over Greens:

• Serve the chickpea salad over a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for an extra layer of freshness and crunch.

In a Grain Bowl:

• Add a scoop of the salad on top of cooked quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to create a nutrient-packed grain bowl.

With Grilled Proteins:

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more protein-rich meal. The flavors complement each other perfectly.

Stuffed Peppers:

• Hollow out some bell peppers and stuff them with the chickpea salad. It makes for a colorful and fun presentation.

Side Dish:

• Serve the salad as a vibrant side dish alongside your favorite main courses, like grilled fish, kebabs, or roasted vegetables.

In a Mason Jar:

• Layer the salad ingredients in a mason jar for a convenient, on-the-go meal. Perfect for meal prepping or picnics.

With Crackers or Chips:

• Use the salad as a dip with some whole grain crackers, pita chips, or even veggie sticks for a healthy snack or appetizer.

Topped with Cheese:

• Sprinkle some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or grated Parmesan on top for an extra burst of flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps:

• Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a refreshing and low-carb option.

These serving ideas will help you enjoy your Turkish Chickpea Salad in a variety of delicious and creative ways. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite! 🌟🥗

Some storage suggestions

Here are some great storage options to keep your Turkish Chickpea Salad fresh and tasty:

Airtight Containers:

• Store the salad in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work particularly well.

Mason Jars:

• Mason jars are great for storing individual portions. Layer the salad in the jar with chickpeas at the bottom and herbs on top to keep them fresh. Just give it a good shake before eating!

Reusable Silicone Bags:

• These are a great eco-friendly option. They seal tightly and can be laid flat in the fridge to save space.

Bowl with Plastic Wrap:

• If you don’t have an airtight container, you can store the salad in a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Meal Prep Containers:

• Use meal prep containers with compartments if you want to keep certain ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat. This is especially useful for keeping herbs or crunchy toppings fresh.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate:

• Keep the salad in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 2 days to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.

Add Fresh Herbs Later:

• If possible, add fresh herbs like cilantro and basil just before serving to keep them vibrant and flavorful.

Keep Dressing Separate:

• If you plan to store the salad for more than a day, consider keeping the lemon juice and vinegar dressing separate and add it right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Revive with Fresh Lemon Juice:

• Before serving stored salad, revive the flavors with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a quick toss.

Freezing:

• Not Recommended: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the fresh vegetables and herbs can become mushy and lose their texture.

By using these storage options and tips, you can keep your Turkish Chickpea Salad fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever you like! 🥗✨

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And just like that, you’ve got yourself a delicious Turkish Chickpea Salad! 🎉 This dish is as versatile as it is tasty—enjoy it warm or chilled, as a main or a side. The fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and spiced chickpeas come together to make every bite a flavor fest. I hope you have as much fun making this as I do. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your creations. Catch you later, and happy munching! 🥗😋

Recipe Card

Turkish Chickpea Salad

😋 Delicious Turkish Chickpea Salad 😋 Craving something fresh and flavorful? This Turkish Chickpea Salad is where it's at! With spiced chickpeas, colorful veggies, and a tangy twist, it's the perfect combo of healthy and delicious. You won't be able to get enough! 🥳

Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Salad Recipe Keys: Gluten Free M Meal Prep Vegan

Print Recipe

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Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 276

Ingredients

Servings

For the chickpeas:

• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided

• 14 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (400g)

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₂ tsp sea salt

• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground turmeric

• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground cloves

• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper, or to taste

For the vegetables:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp sun dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped

• ¹⁄₂ tsp sea salt

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp sumac

• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder

• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cumin

• ¹⁄₂ tsp coconut sugar (optional)

• 3.5 oz red cabbage, chopped (100g)

• 0.7 oz cilantro, chopped (20g)

• 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1:

   To make the chickpeas, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and chickpeas to the skillet and stir the chickpeas for 1 minute to coat them in the oil. Now add all the remaining chickpea spices and cook for 5 minutes until the chickpeas are red and fragrant. Pour the chickpeas into a large bowl, scraping in all the spices from the skillet.

2. Step 2:

   In the same skillet, over medium heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the onions and garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are slightly soft and the garlic is fragrant. Add the red peppers, sun dried tomatoes and salt, stir and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Step 3:

   Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Then add the red wine vinegar and remaining spices, stirring well to combine. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the chickpeas, along with the red cabbage, cilantro, basil and lemon juice. Mix together until well combined.

4. Step 4:

   Serve the salad warm or cold.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 276kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 16g25%

Total Carbohydrate 26g9%

Dietary Fiber 8g32%

Protein 7g15%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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