banner
alive logo
FoodFamilyLifestyleBeautySustainabilityHealthImmunity

Chickpea Cilantro Salad

Serves 6

    Share

    This savoury salad is a perfect lunch all on its own or as an accompaniment for a show-stopping dinner. Cilantro, a complex, pungent herb with citrus undertones, is the star of this dish, no longer just a garnish. Serve this salad at room temperature or cold—and prepare to discover the versatility of cilantro.

    Advertisement

    A love/hate relationship

    Fun fact: a love or hatred of cilantro might not be personal preference, but rather genetics. For those who dislike it, cilantro has been described as having a slightly soapy taste, rendering it unpalatable.

    Advertisement

    Chickpea Cilantro Salad

      Ingredients

      • 3 1/4 cups (800 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
      • 1 cup (250 mL) diced yellow bell pepper
      • 1 cup (250 mL) diced green onions
      • 2 cups (500 mL) chopped cilantro
      • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
      • 3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
      • 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh lime juice
      • 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
      • Black pepper, to taste

      Nutrition

      Per serving:

      • calories490
      • protein23 g
      • total fat14 g
        • sat. fat2 g
      • carbohydrates73 g
        • sugars13 g
        • fibre21 g
      • sodium421 mg

      Directions

      01

      In large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, bell pepper, and green onions.

      02

      In food processor, add cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper; pulse until smooth.

      03

      Pour dressing over chickpea mixture and stir to coat. Let sit for 20 minutes before serving.

      Advertisement
      Advertisement
      Advertisement

      READ THIS NEXT

      SEE MORE »
      Brussels Sprouts & Wild Rice Salad with Maple Walnut–Pecan Spice Brittle
      Food

      Brussels Sprouts & Wild Rice Salad with Maple Walnut–Pecan Spice Brittle

      One of my favorite Carbivor sides to contribute to meals is a wild rice salad. Unlike hulled rice, wild varieties hold their shape and texture. To add even more fiber and hardiness, I combine the rice with shredded Brussels sprouts and a bright lemon poppy dressing. If you want to save time, buy shredded Brussels sprouts or use a food processor to get them into little ribbons. The sprouts also let us get away with playing a little more with sweet additions to this savory salad. If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, a scant amount (2 tablespoons) of dried cranberries or cherries will work. Like all good dishes, every element can be made up to four days in advance and tossed together when ready to serve! ]