Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

Beautiful vegan chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad with a rainbow of veggies and a super flavorful curry peanut dressing. This Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings. Bursting with colors and flavors, this salad combines refreshing vegetables and a creamy dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Flavorful Dressing: The curry peanut dressing elevates the dish with its rich flavors, ensuring each bite is delicious.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fresh veggies and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, as a side, or stuffed into wraps for a delightful lunch option.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the salad ingredients without spilling.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for an appealing presentation.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting your vegetables, keeping your kitchen tidy.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots (from the bag)
• 1/2 small head of red cabbage, chopped (about 2-3 cups shredded cabbage)
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

For the curry peanut butter dressing:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1-2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon red cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3-4 tablespoons warm water, to thin dressing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To garnish:

• Extra cilantro
• Sliced green onion
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts

How to Make Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by gathering all your salad ingredients. In a large bowl, add:
1. Diced red bell pepper
2. Shredded carrots
3. Chopped red cabbage
4. Rinsed chickpeas
5. Finely chopped cilantro
6. Green onion
7. Diced jalapeño

Mix everything gently until well combined.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients:
1. Peanut butter
2. Freshly grated ginger
3. Minced garlic
4. Lime juice (or rice vinegar)
5. Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
6. Yellow curry powder
7. Red cayenne pepper
8. Ground turmeric

Whisk until smooth. Add warm water gradually until you achieve a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the curry peanut dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes to enhance flavors! Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced green onion, and roasted cashews or peanuts before serving.

Enjoy your colorful Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing!

How to Serve Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

Serving Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing can elevate any meal. This vibrant salad is not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with flavor. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy this dish.

As a Standalone Meal

• A complete meal: This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner, providing plenty of protein and fiber.

With Grains

• Serve over quinoa or brown rice: Adding grains can make your meal heartier and add a different texture.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves: Wrap the salad in large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option that’s easy to eat on the go.

As a Side Salad

• Pair with grilled dishes: This salad complements grilled chicken or tofu perfectly, adding freshness to your plate.

Topped on Toast

• Chickpea salad toast: Spread the salad over whole-grain toast for a delicious open-faced sandwich.

With Extra Toppings

• Add avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

To make this salad even better, consider these helpful tips. They will help you enhance the flavors and textures, making it truly irresistible.

• Choose fresh veggies: Using fresh, vibrant vegetables will boost flavor and nutritional value.

• Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat by varying the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper based on your preference.

• Make ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crunchiness.

• Experiment with toppings: Try adding different nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to complement your meal:

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: A mix of seasonal vegetables marinated in herbs adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad.

2. Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice brings sweetness and creaminess that balances out the spices in the salad.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy roasted sweet potatoes provide a satisfying contrast in texture and are naturally sweet.

4. Thai Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and crunchy veggies offer an additional layer of flavor while keeping things light.

5. Mango Salsa: A refreshing mango salsa adds sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the curry peanut dressing.

6. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a crisp, tangy side that complements the main dish well.

7. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides extra protein and a lovely green color to your meal.

8. Naan Bread: Soft naan bread serves as a great vehicle for scooping up the chickpea salad, making it fun and interactive!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Always choose fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
• Ignoring the dressing balance: A good salad needs a well-balanced dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning to ensure it complements the flavors in your salad.
• Overdressing the salad: Less is more! Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid soggy greens.
• Skipping the garnishes: Garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to add roasted nuts or extra herbs for a delightful touch.
• Not letting it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for a bit helps meld the flavors. Give it at least 30 minutes before serving.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the veggies.
• If necessary, store the dressing separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water and heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad with curry peanut dressing:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize your salad with vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or snap peas for added crunch.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase spice levels, add more jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into your dressing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, this recipe is entirely gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad with curry peanut dressing is not only nourishing but also versatile. You can mix and match veggies based on what you have on hand. Give it a try—it’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner!