Every winter, after weeks of eating hearty soups and stews, I start craving something really light and fresh. I just get sick of all of the super cooked down hot food. I want bright, I want it to taste like SUNSHINE. You know what I’m sayin’?
So today I threw together this quick salad with a couple of cans of chickpeas that I had hiding in the back of my pantry. It’s really fast, easy, and bursting with fresh flavor!
Lime juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter bite to it, so if you’re not into that or limes just aren’t available in your area, this salad would be just as delicious with lemon juice. If you want to cut the price in half, cook your own chickpeas from dry. I haven’t done it but I’m sure it’s just as easy as cooking any other bean… especially if you cook them in the slow cooker!
Another interesting twist to this salad would be to add a touch of honey and chopped jalapeno. Unfortunately, I didn’t think of that until just now as I was typing this. Someone try it for me and let me know how it is! Thanks!
Cumin Lime Chickpeas
Cumin Lime Chickpeas
Servings 6Ingredients
- 2 15oz. cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans) ($2.18)
- 1/2 red onion ($0.51)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro ($0.39)
- 2 cloves garlic ($0.15)
- 1 lime ($0.25)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.22)
- 1 tsp ground cumin ($0.05)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
Instructions
- Empty both cans of chickpeas into a colander and rinse with cool water. Let the chickpeas drain as you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Remove the cilantro leaves from the stems and then roughly chop. Dice the red onion. Place both in a large bowl.
- Prepare the dressing by squeezing the juice from one lime into a bowl and adding the olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Finely mince two cloves of garlic and add them as well. Stir everything to combine. Taste and adjust salt to your liking.
- Add the drained chickpeas and the dressing to the bowl with the cilantro and onion. Stir to combine and then serve! The flavor intensifies the longer it sits so, refrigerate before serving for a stronger flavor.
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Nutrition
Step By Step Photos
I had a couple lonely cans of chickpeas in my pantry, so what better to do with them than add my favorite flavors…
Cilantro, lime, garlic, and onion! This really is my favorite combo. Anytime I need something to taste fresh and vibrant, this is what I reach for.
Rinse the chickpeas in a colander with cool water to remove all of that canned flavor. I’m sure making fresh chickpeas from dry would not only be more inexpensive but the flavor would be even more clean and fresh. Note to self: make fresh chickpeas.
Remove the leaves from the stems of the cilantro and then give them a rough chop. The leaves pull off easily so this should take no more than a minute or two.
Dice the red onion and place it in a bowl with the cilantro.
Squeeze the juice from one lime into a bowl and add the olive oil, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Mince the garlic and add that as well.
Stir it all up and now you’ve got a delicious cumin dressing. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and any other ingredients as you see fit.
Add the drained chickpeas and dressing to the bowl with the cilantro and onion. Stir until everything is coated in dressing and then serve!
The salad will be even more intense the next day! …if it lasts that long!
You guys may like Orzo Salad with Chickpeas and Dill from cookinglight.com http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/orzo-salad-with-chickpeas-dill-lemon-10000000338370/
I just made this and it was exquisite. I did add some fresh parsley and mint along with the cilantro, and a splash of grapefruit juice since I did not have any limes/lemons. Thanks for the great recipe.
I’m going to try lightly cooking the chickpeas, garlic, and onion to avoid dragon breath. I put everything in a pita wrap to make it a meal. Thanks for the recipe!
i am a regular reader of your blog and the items you present are very easy to make and very yummy.
I recently started reading your blog and love every recipe you post…but this one has to be one of my favorites! I love chickpeas! I am making this tonight and adding avocado and red peppers.
miam miam! So good! thank you! I love your website. Nice work
Made this today. It was delicious. So glad I’ve discovered Budgetbytes.
Thanks, Beth!
I just made this! I added both jalapeno and some feta cheese and it is AMAZING! Thanks for the great recipe!
It’s like you read my mind when you posted this recipe – I was pondering what to do with an extra red onion, lime, and bunch of cilantro I have in my fridge! Going to try it for lunch.
I bet this would also be awesome if you made it with quinoa. Oh the possibilities!
I did this with some Kashi 7-grain pilaf that I had on hand, and added Chipotle powder based on your suggestion of adding Jalapeno; – Tasty!
What a wonderful healthy meal! I love chickpeas and southwestern flavors.
Mmmm I love chickpeas! Now I have a new way to make them :)
Yum! I’ve tried cooking my own chickpeas. It’s easy, of course, but you need to pick out the skins after they cook off — that’s the secret to smooth homemade hummus made with dried beans, too.
Well, I know what I am having for lunch next week! This looks so delicious and healthy, and I agree – it’s time for some sunshine in my mouth!