Here’s a detailed recipe for a refreshing Chickpea Peach Salad, along with FAQs to help you make it perfectly every time.
🥗 Chickpea Peach Salad Recipe
🌟 Description:
This salad is a vibrant mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Juicy peaches pair beautifully with hearty chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a light lemon-honey dressing. Perfect for summer lunches or potlucks.
🍑 Ingredients:
Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 2–3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced thinly
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional: soak in cold water to reduce sharpness)
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for vegan: skip or use vegan feta)
- 2–3 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥣 Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Slice the peaches thinly.
- Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Rinse and drain chickpeas.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, peaches, onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss.
- Add Herbs and Cheese:
- Sprinkle chopped mint and basil.
- Add feta on top. Toss gently again.
- Serve:
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Optional: Let sit 10–15 minutes for flavors to meld.
❓FAQs – Chickpea Peach Salad
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, but choose unsweetened or packed in juice. Drain and pat dry before adding.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving for best texture. The peaches may brown slightly over time.
3. What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, quinoa, or tofu all pair well with this salad.
4. What can I substitute for mint or basil?
Try parsley, cilantro, or dill — fresh herbs bring brightness.
5. Is this salad vegan?
The base is vegan if you skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
6. Can I use white beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! Cannellini or butter beans work well as alternatives.
7. Will this salad keep overnight?
It keeps well for 1 day in the fridge, though peaches may soften and herbs may wilt slightly. Store in an airtight container.
8. Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Yes — nectarines are a great swap and don’t need peeling.
9. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, the entire recipe is naturally gluten-free.
10. What wine pairs well with this salad?
Try a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry rosé.
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