This Asian Chickpea Salad is the perfect choice if you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or pork, or want to serve it as a light starter for an Asian-themed dinner, this salad is versatile and delicious. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, yet bursting with bold, tangy, and spicy flavors.
The foundation of this dish is tender chickpeas, which are paired with fresh ingredients like crunchy red bell pepper (any other color of bell peppers is also a good choice), red onion, and fiery chilies. Grated ginger and garlic add a rich, savory flavor to the salad. Everything is brought together with a tasty sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, mirin, rice vinegar, a little agave syrup, and a splash of sesame oil.
Asian Chickpea Salad Is Perfect for any Occasion
What makes this Asian Chickpea Salad so appealing is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding either milder or hotter chilies to suit your taste. This recipe is incredibly adaptable. This chickpea salad pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins like grilled salmon, chicken, or pork. We often enjoy it alongside these dishes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Not just a side dish, though. This salad can also be served as a starter in an Asian-inspired dinner, or even as a light and healthy lunch on its own. It’s vegan and full of goodness, with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
A Chickpea Salad Full of Flavor and Texture
The addition of fresh cilantro gives this salad a bright, herby finish, while the crunch from the vegetables and chickpeas adds texture that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up in under 20 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. If you’re making this Asian Chickpea Salad ahead, add the chopped coriander just before serving for the freshest taste.
Customize Your Heat
One of the best things about this salad is the ability to customize the heat. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add extra chili. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder version, just use less chili or swap in a sweet pepper for a gentler taste. The sauce is also fully adjustable, so you can fine-tune the balance of sweet and savory to your liking.
The Perfect Side Dish
Ready to add a burst of flavor to your next meal? This Asian Chickpea Salad is easy to make, deliciously tangy, and packed with fresh ingredients. It’s a go-to side dish that complements a wide range of meals, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
If you’re planning to serve this salad with fish, check out my Grilled Salmon recipe—you can easily swap the traditional dill garnish for fresh cilantro and use limes instead of lemons for a fresh twist!
Flavorful Asian Chickpea Salad with Lime, Chili, and Sesame
Ingredients
- 1 can 380g Chickpeas in water, drained and rinsed
- 1/2-1 Red bell pepper finely chopped
- 100 g Red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 2 Long red chilies medium heat, finely chopped
- A generous handful of Fresh coriander/cilantro including the stems
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Mirin sweet rice wine
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp White rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tsp Agave syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness
- 1-2 tsp Roasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then transfer them to a mixing bowl. These will be the base of your salad.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Chop the red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, and chilies. Grate the ginger and toss everything into the bowl with the chickpeas. This combo brings great texture and flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, agave syrup (or honey), and roasted sesame oil. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt if necessary. The sesame oil will add a rich, nutty depth to the sauce.
- Toss Everything Together: Pour the sauce over the chickpea mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Before serving, roughly chop the fresh cilantro, stems included, and stir it into the salad. The cilantro will add a refreshing note to balance the spiciness.
- Serve & Enjoy: This delicious, vibrant salad is now ready to be served! Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or pair it with grilled chicken or other proteins for a complete meal.
Notes
💡 Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare the salad in advance, but add the chopped coriander just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.​
- Adjusting Heat Levels: Tailor the spiciness by choosing milder or hotter chilies according to your taste.​
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs with grilled salmon, chicken, or pork. Also makes a delightful starter for an Asian-themed dinner.​​
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the flavors may intensify over time.​
