Nutrient-Rich Chickpea Salad: A Must-Try for Healthy Eating!
Light & Healthy! Your Favorite Diet Food, Chickpea Salad
Introducing a healthy chickpea salad recipe that’s packed with protein for post-workout recovery and keeps you feeling full. It’s a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and fruits for both taste and nutrition.
Main Ingredients- 1 cup dried chickpeas (approx. 200g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium apple
- 7 black olives
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredients for your salad: chickpeas and olives, along with olive oil for added flavor. Tip: I used an apple for a crisp texture, but feel free to substitute with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for variety!
Step 2
Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Then, soak them in plenty of water for about 8 hours (half a day) until they are well-hydrated. A good tip is to soak them overnight before bed and prepare the salad in the morning to save time. Well-soaked chickpeas become soft and easier to digest.
Step 3
Dice the apple into bite-sized cubes for a refreshing element in your salad. Tip: Apples tend to brown quickly after cutting. To prevent this, you can lightly soak the cut apple pieces in lightly salted water immediately after dicing. If you’re preparing it right away, you can skip this step.
Step 4
Pit and slice the black olives into desired pieces. Using pitted olives will make this step more convenient. Once your main ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to assemble the salad! It’s incredibly simple, isn’t it?
Step 5
The next day, place the fully soaked chickpeas in a pot, cover with water, and boil for about 20-30 minutes until tender. Drain the cooked chickpeas and combine them in a bowl with the prepped apple and olives.
Step 6
Now, let’s make a delicious dressing! I opted for a simple yet flavorful dressing by mixing basil pesto with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Tip: Feel free to get creative with your dressing! You can use balsamic glaze, lemon juice, yogurt dressing, or any of your favorite sauces to create your unique salad.
Step 7
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Once everything is well mixed, serve it onto a plate and enjoy! Tip: This salad is satisfying enough to be a great breakfast option or a light lunch. Its fullness factor makes it an excellent choice for maintaining your diet goals.
