Dinner

Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe

Name: Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 2 tbsp tahini; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ tsp sesame seeds

Bylina Carter December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish full of fresh vegetables and bold flavors. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful combination of textures and tangy dressing that you’ll love for lunch or as a side.

The dish is a vibrant chickpea salad piled high on a white square plate set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of round, light beige chickpeas that form the main base. Mixed throughout are thin strips of bright orange carrots, slices of translucent purple onion, and slender red bell pepper pieces adding color contrast. Fresh green herbs like chopped cilantro and spring onions are sprinkled on top, providing a fresh, leafy texture. Scattered lightly over the salad are small white sesame seeds, giving a subtle crunch and visual interest. The salad looks fresh, colorful, and slightly glossy as if dressed with a light sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

2 tbsp chopped green onions
2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey

½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
½ tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander, then let them drain thoroughly while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to mix well.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, then toss gently with a spatula or large spoon to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the garnishes by chopping the peanuts and fresh cilantro, and measure out the sesame seeds.
Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds on top.

Step 7: Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy salad as a meal or side.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped cucumbers or snap peas.
Replace peanuts with cashews or almonds if preferred or for a nut-free option omit them entirely.

If you want a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan dressing.
Make sure to rinse chickpeas well to reduce any canned taste and improve texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored, toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid storing garnishes on top to maintain their texture; add them just before serving if possible.