BBQ Chickpea Tangy Salad (Print View)

Smoky BBQ chickpeas mixed with crisp veggies and a zesty dressing for a flavorful, light meal option.

# Components:

→ Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (15 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (vegan and gluten-free if required)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
07 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
12 - 1 tsp maple syrup
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine chickpeas and BBQ sauce. Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens and coats the chickpeas, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped herbs.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Add the cooled BBQ chickpeas to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over all ingredients and toss gently to combine evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour, which means you can make it on a weeknight without planning ahead.
  • The BBQ chickpeas add a smoky richness that makes vegetables feel like the main event, not an afterthought.
  • You can serve it cold or at room temperature, so it travels well to potlucks and picnics without any fuss.
02 -
  • Do not skip cooling the chickpeas before adding them to the salad, or the heat will wilt the vegetables and turn everything soggy.
  • If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, cut the maple syrup in the dressing by half to keep the salad from tasting like candy.
03 -
  • Pat the chickpeas dry with a towel before cooking them so the BBQ sauce sticks better and does not steam off.
  • Use a nonstick skillet or a well seasoned cast iron pan to prevent the sauce from scorching and sticking to the bottom.
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