Spicy Chickpea Salad
This spicy chickpea salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue. The chickpeas provide a hearty base, while the red onion, cucumber, and bell pepper add a nice crunch and sweetness. The cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil give the salad a bright and tangy flavor, while the cumin and cayenne pepper add a touch of heat. This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. You can add more or less spice, depending on your heat tolerance, and you can also add other vegetables, such as chopped tomatoes or avocado.
This salad was inspired by a trip I took to Morocco a few years ago. I was wandering through the souk in Marrakech when I came across a stall selling a variety of salads. One of the salads caught my eye: it was made with chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, and bell pepper, and it was dressed with a spicy lemon-tahini sauce. I bought a bowl of the salad and was immediately hooked. The flavors were so fresh and bright, and the heat from the cayenne pepper was the perfect way to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables. I've been making this salad ever since I got back from Morocco, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.
Spicy Chickpea Salad Spicy Chickpea Salad Spicy Chickpea Salad Spicy Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir until well combined.
  3. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
  • The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and spices creates a salad that is both hearty and refreshing.
  • The lemon juice and olive oil add a bright and tangy flavor to the salad.
  • The cumin and cayenne pepper add a touch of heat that balances out the sweetness of the vegetables.
  • This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.