Ingredients
Instructions
- Chickpeas (2 cans, 15 ounces each): The heart of our salad, providing a hearty and protein-rich base. Canned chickpeas are convenient and readily available, but you can also use cooked chickpeas from scratch for an even fresher flavor. Make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Tahini (1/2 cup): This sesame seed paste is the magic ingredient that creates the creamy and nutty base of our dressing. Look for tahini that is smooth and pourable, not overly thick or dry. Good quality tahini will have a subtly bitter and rich flavor that is essential for an authentic taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup, from about 2 lemons): Lemon juice adds a crucial bright and tangy note that balances the richness of the tahini and brings all the flavors together. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant and zesty taste compared to bottled juice.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Garlic provides a pungent and savory depth to the dressing. Fresh garlic cloves are ideal, minced or pressed finely to release their flavor. If you are sensitive to raw garlic, you can roast the cloves lightly before mincing for a milder taste.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup, extra virgin): Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a fruity flavor to the dressing, while also contributing healthy fats. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup, chopped): Parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly peppery flavor to the salad. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is recommended for its stronger flavor and sturdier texture compared to curly parsley.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing. Finely dicing the red onion ensures it distributes evenly throughout the salad and doesn’t overpower other flavors. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the salad to life. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste preferences. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for its brighter and more aromatic flavor.
- Optional additions: Cucumber (diced), Cherry Tomatoes (halved), Bell Pepper (diced), Kalamata Olives (halved), Feta Cheese (crumbled – for non-vegan version), Spinach or Arugula (chopped). These additions can add extra texture, flavor, and nutritional value to your salad, allowing for customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Notes
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water. This step helps to remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can, which can sometimes cause digestive issues. After rinsing, gently pat the chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Slightly drying them helps the dressing adhere better.
- Make the Tahini Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth and creamy dressing. Initially, the tahini might seem thick and clumpy, but as you whisk, it will emulsify with the lemon juice and olive oil to create a beautiful, pourable dressing. If the dressing is too thick for your liking, you can add a tablespoon or two of cold water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Continue whisking until it is smooth and well-emulsified.
- Season the Dressing: Season the tahini dressing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with about half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that the chickpeas and any other vegetables you add will also need seasoning, so it’s best to season the dressing well at this stage. Don’t be shy with the salt, as it is crucial to bring out all the flavors in the dressing.
- Combine Chickpeas and Dressing: Add the drained and dried chickpeas to the bowl with the tahini dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the chickpeas evenly with the dressing. Ensure that every chickpea is nicely coated in the creamy lemon tahini dressing. You can use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the chickpeas into the dressing, taking care not to mash them.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Red Onion: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and finely diced red onion to the chickpea mixture. The fresh parsley will add a bright, herbaceous note, while the red onion provides a contrasting sharpness and slight sweetness. Distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the salad by gently tossing again.
- Incorporate Optional Additions (Optional): If you are using any optional additions such as diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, or Kalamata olives, now is the time to gently fold them into the salad. These additions will enhance the texture, flavor, and nutritional profile of the salad. Be mindful of the quantities of additions to maintain a good balance of flavors and textures.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, it is recommended to chill the Lemon Tahini Chickpea Salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the salad to become even more refreshing. If you are short on time, you can serve it immediately, but chilling does improve the overall taste and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad one final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more lemon juice for brightness, salt for flavor enhancement, or pepper for a bit of spice. Freshly chopped parsley can also be sprinkled on top as a garnish just before serving for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 15