Curried Chickpea Salad Recipe
Introduction
This curried chickpea salad is a flavorful and creamy dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining the warmth of curry powder with fresh dill and a smooth tofu dressing, it’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons of red onion (roughly chopped)
- 1 celery rib (diced)
- ⅓ cup of silken tofu
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh dill (minced)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chickpeas to a medium bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork until they have a chunky texture. Avoid mashing them into a puree. Add the red onion and diced celery to the bowl, mix, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a blender or with an immersion blender, blend the silken tofu, curry powder, lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 3: Pour the tofu mixture into the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Add the minced dill and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped cucumber or shredded carrots to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor.
- Try swapping fresh dill with cilantro or parsley for a different herb profile.
Storage
Store the chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a splash of lime juice if needed to freshen the flavors. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tofu instead of silken tofu?
Silken tofu is preferred for its smooth, creamy texture, but you can use regular tofu if blended well. Just press out excess water first to avoid a watery dressing.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it a great option for plant-based diets.
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Curried Chickpea Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Curried Chickpea Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that combines mashed chickpeas with a spiced silken tofu dressing, accented by fresh dill and crisp vegetables. It’s perfect as a light lunch, sandwich filler, or side dish, offering a vibrant blend of textures and tastes with a hint of curry and lime.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons red onion, roughly chopped
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
Dressing
- ⅓ cup silken tofu
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Mash the chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to a medium bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork until they reach a chunky texture, avoiding turning them into a puree. Then add the roughly chopped red onion and diced celery to the bowl, mix gently, and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a blender or using an immersion blender, blend the silken tofu, curry powder, lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Taste the dressing and adjust the curry powder or seasoning as desired.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the smooth tofu dressing into the bowl with the mashed chickpeas and vegetables. Add the minced fresh dill, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a salad, sandwich filling, or side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra curry powder to the dressing.
- Silken tofu is used here to create a creamy, vegan alternative to mayonnaise or yogurt.
- This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add chopped apples or raisins for a hint of sweetness and additional texture.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegetarian/International
Keywords: curried chickpea salad, vegan chickpea recipe, tofu salad dressing, healthy chickpea salad, easy vegetarian salad

