I still remember the first time I tossed together chickpeas and crisp cucumbers in my tiny kitchen, inspired by my love for simple, flavorful meals that bring everyone together. This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or light lunches. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, it’s customizable with Mediterranean, Asian, or Indian flavors—perfect for anyone craving a refreshing, protein-packed salad that’s balanced and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver, combining simplicity, flavor, and nutrition in one vibrant dish. Crunchy cucumber and protein-packed chickpeas are tossed with a tangy dressing, making it perfect as a Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad, an Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw, or even a chickpea cucumber salad Indian style. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this cucumber and chickpea slaw is versatile, customizable, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or a healthy side.
With endless dressing options—from creamy cucumber and chickpea slaw dressing to zesty cucumber and chickpea slaw balsamic variations—this salad adapts to your mood and ingredients. It’s great for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep for the week ahead. Every bite offers a refreshing crunch, balanced flavors, and a satisfying combination of chickpeas and cucumbers. This simple chickpea and cucumber salad is a wholesome, protein-rich dish that elevates any meal while keeping prep minimal.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe is all about fresh, crisp, and flavorful ingredients that come together effortlessly. Chickpeas provide a hearty, protein-packed base, while cucumbers add refreshing crunch. Red bell pepper, carrot, and red onion bring vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a subtle bite, perfectly balancing the salad. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley enhance the aroma and taste, and toasted sesame seeds add a light nutty finish. The dressing options—from Mediterranean to Asian, balsamic, or tzatziki-style—allow you to customize the salad to your preference, making this chickpea cucumber salad Indian-inspired or Mediterranean, depending on your choice. This simple chickpea and cucumber salad is easy to assemble, packed with flavor, and versatile for lunch, dinner, or a healthy side.
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):
For the Slaw:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small carrot, grated
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing Options:
Mediterranean: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt & pepper
Asian: 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp honey
Balsamic: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, pinch of salt
Tzatziki-style: ¼ cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of salt
How to Make This Recipe
This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The crisp cucumber, protein-rich chickpeas, and colorful vegetables make this chickpea cucumber salad both refreshing and satisfying. Choosing your preferred dressing—whether Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad style, Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw, balsamic, or tzatziki-style—intensifies the taste and customizes the salad to your liking. Tossing the fresh ingredients just before serving keeps the crunch, making this simple chickpea and cucumber salad ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy side.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Prep Vegetables and Chickpeas
Drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber, dice 1 small red bell pepper, grate 1 small carrot, and thinly slice ½ small red onion.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing
Choose a dressing:
Mediterranean: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt & pepper
Asian: 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp honey
Balsamic: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, pinch of salt
Tzatziki-style: ¼ cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of salt
Step 3: Combine Salad
In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Pour chosen dressing over salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Expert Cooking Tips
This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe shines when you focus on freshness, proper prep, and balancing flavors. Crisp cucumbers and well-drained chickpeas are key for a perfect chickpea cucumber salad. Choosing the right dressing—whether a Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad, Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw, or tzatziki-style—can transform the dish from simple to extraordinary. A little extra seasoning, herbs, or toasted seeds intensifies the flavors and texture, making this simple chickpea and cucumber salad a crowd-pleaser every time.
💡 Expert Tips:
Tip 1: Keep Ingredients Crisp
Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly and slice cucumber just before tossing to maintain crunch in your cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe.
Tip 2: Customize Your Dressing
Use Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad dressing, Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw dressing, balsamic, or tzatziki-style to match your flavor preference and elevate the salad.
Tip 3: Flavor Boosters
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a pinch of chili flakes, or toasted sesame seeds to make your chickpea cucumber salad more vibrant and flavorful.
Tip 4: Make Ahead
Prep vegetables and chickpeas in advance, but toss with dressing just before serving to keep this simple chickpea and cucumber salad crunchy and fresh.
FAQs
What is the best way to keep cucumber and chickpea slaw crunchy?
To maintain the crisp texture of this cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe, slice cucumbers just before serving and drain chickpeas thoroughly. Toss the salad with dressing only when ready to serve for the freshest results.
Can I make this chickpea cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and chickpeas ahead. Store the dressing separately and mix just before serving to keep this simple chickpea and cucumber salad fresh and crunchy.
Which dressings work best with cucumber and chickpea slaw?
This salad is versatile—try Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad dressing, Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw dressing, balsamic, or tzatziki-style dressing to suit your taste.
Is cucumber and chickpea slaw vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based dressings and avoid any gluten-containing sauces to keep this chickpea cucumber salad vegan and gluten-free.
Can I customize flavors in this cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe?
Yes, add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a pinch of chili flakes, or toasted sesame seeds to enhance flavor in your Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad, Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw, or simple chickpea and cucumber salad.
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This cucumber and chickpea slaw recipe is a refreshing, protein-packed, and versatile salad perfect for any occasion. With crisp cucumber, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant vegetables, it works as a Mediterranean cucumber chickpea salad, an Asian cucumber and chickpea slaw, or a chickpea cucumber salad Indian-style. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, this simple chickpea and cucumber salad can be served as a light lunch, a healthy side, or a make-ahead meal. Its customizable dressings—from balsamic to tzatziki-style—ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying, making this cucumber and chickpea slaw a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep.
Print
Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing, crunchy salad combining chickpeas, cucumbers, and colorful vegetables tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic salad. Customize with Mediterranean, Indian, or Asian flavors depending on your dressing choice.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):
For the Slaw:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small carrot, grated
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing Options:
Mediterranean: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt & pepper
Asian: 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp honey
Balsamic: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, pinch of salt
Tzatziki-style: ¼ cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of salt
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Vegetables & Chickpeas
Drain and rinse chickpeas. Slice cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and onion as directed.
Step 2: Make Dressing
Whisk together your chosen dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 3: Combine Salad
In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Pour dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro/parsley and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately for crunch, or chill for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare veggies and chickpeas ahead; mix with dressing just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Protein Boost: Add feta cheese, grilled chicken, or tofu for a fuller meal.
- Spice Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cumin for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: No-cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Fusion