Crispy Chili-Lime Chickpea Salad
Crispy Chili-Lime Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, zesty, and healthy dish combining crispy roasted chickpeas with tangy lime juice and a kick of chili. This flavorful and crunchy salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack, packed with plant-based protein and fiber, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Roast the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then pat thoroughly dry. Toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through for even roasting.
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While chickpeas are roasting, chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Having these ready will help assemble the salad quickly once chickpeas are done.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and a pinch of pepper to create a bright, tangy dressing.
- Combine All Ingredients: When chickpeas are crispy and cooled slightly, combine them in a large bowl with the chopped onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Pour the lime dressing over and gently toss to combine all flavors evenly.
- Final Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding extra chili powder for heat, more salt for balance, or additional lime juice for brightness based on your preference.
Notes
- Thoroughly dry chickpeas before roasting to ensure maximum crispness.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even roasting and crisping of chickpeas.
- Adjust chili powder amounts to control spice level.
- Serve immediately after assembly for best crunch as roasted chickpeas can soften over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chickpea salad, crispy chickpeas, chili lime salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, healthy snack, vegetarian, plant-based protein