Elevate your salad game with our Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad, drizzled with a luscious Curry Peanut Dressing! This vibrant dish features a colorful medley of red bell pepper, shredded carrots, red cabbage, hearty chickpeas, fresh cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño. Tossed in a creamy and aromatic dressing made with peanut butter, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and a blend of spices, this salad is a harmonious fusion of Thai-inspired flavors. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a bustling Thai marketplace, and the irresistible aroma of street food wafting through the air. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Thailand, I set out to recreate the magic at home with our Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad. As I chopped crisp bell peppers, shredded carrots, and vibrant cabbage, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. And when I whipped up the creamy Curry Peanut Dressing—infused with fragrant ginger, zesty lime juice, and a hint of spice—I knew I was onto something special. As I tossed the salad with the luscious dressing and garnished it with crunchy cashews and fresh cilantro, I couldn’t wait to share this culinary masterpiece with my loved ones. With each forkful, we were transported to the bustling streets of Thailand, where every bite tells a story of bold flavors and vibrant culture. It’s a salad that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious—a true celebration of the art of Thai cuisine.
Why This Recipe Shines:
Colorful and Vibrant: Experience a feast for the senses with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that create a stunning visual display. Creamy and Flavorful Dressing: Indulge in the luxurious richness of the Curry Peanut Dressing, which combines creamy peanut butter, aromatic ginger, and a blend of exotic spices for a burst of flavor in every bite. Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: With pantry staples like chickpeas, bell peppers, and cabbage, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare. Customizable and Versatile: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu for a satisfying meal. 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:
- 60g (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
- 1/4 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 45-60ml (3-4 tablespoons) warm water, to thin dressing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Garnish:
- Extra cilantro
- Sliced green onion
- 30g (1/4 cup) roasted cashews or peanuts
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped red cabbage, rinsed and drained chickpeas, finely chopped cilantro, green onion, and diced jalapeño.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together peanut butter, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice or rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, yellow curry powder, red cayenne pepper, and ground turmeric. Add warm water gradually to achieve a pourable consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish the salad with extra cilantro, sliced green onion, and roasted cashews or peanuts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder and red cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a heartier meal, serve the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply whisk well before using. Enjoy!
