Ah, Pesto Chickpea Salad! Nothing screams healthy, vibrant, and incredibly delicious like this little beauty of a dish. Whether served as a side dish at a fancy family dinner or your go-to lunch, it ticks all the boxes. I mean, who can resist the flavor-packed pesto, hearty chickpeas, and fresh crunchy veggies, all tossed together? Not me, and I’m presuming not you, my intelligent and discerning readers. Perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing but hearty enough to keep you satisfied, Pesto Chickpea Salad is an obvious choice. Trust me, one bite and you would be swooning over it.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 4 cups of salad
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe and see how this delectable salad comes together.
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups of mixed salad greens
- �� cup of basil pesto
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- �� cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
And for the equipment, you will simply need a large mixing bowl and a spoon to stir everything together.
The pesto is the MVP here, giving this salad its lovely flavour. Chickpeas contribute not just texture but also heaps of protein, making this salad filling and nutritious.
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you could swap them for any other type of bean. Similarly, the basil pesto can be replaced with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different but equally delicious flavour profile.
How To Make Pesto Chickpea Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle the pesto over the salad mix, then add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Using a large spoon, gently mix everything together until the salad ingredients are well coated with the pesto.
- Give it a taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then, your Pesto Chickpea Salad is ready to be served!
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly.
- Use fresh pesto if possible.
Storage Tips
- The salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with any firm cheese of your choice.
Q: Is the Pesto Chickpea Salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free.
Q: Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned ones?
A: Yes, but you will need to soak them overnight and then boil them until they’re soft.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Yes, you can add other crunchy veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for added crunch.
Q: What can I serve this salad with?
A: It can be served with grilled chicken or fish, or even as a standalone dish.
Nutritional Facts of Pesto Chickpea Salad
Each serving of this healthy salad has about 295 calories, 14g of protein, 17g of fat, and 24g of carbohydrates.
So, there you have it, folks! Our delectable Pesto Chickpea Salad! It’s a winner in my book for its simplicity, nutrition, and taste. Remember, always adjust the flavours according to your taste buds. Enjoy this vibrant, tasty Pesto Chickpea Salad and do let me know how much you loved it. Bon App��tit!
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