For every person who thinks chickpeas are nothing more than a neutral
supporting actor in hummus, there’s someone else who thinks they’re the best
member of the legume family. This is great news for chickpea lovers everywhere!
Chickpeas are packed with protein and other nutrients and have a lot of potential
in terms of their taste, versatility, and health benefits. Everyone knows that salad
is good for you. After all, it’s just a bowl full of green things that are great for you.
But not all salads are created equal. Some salads are better for you than others
based on what goes into them — especially if you want to be healthier as a result.
Here’s how to make an awesome chickpea salad that’s also healthy and will leave
you feeling great after eating it.

Why Chickpeas Are Good for You

Both dried and canned chickpeas are great for you in a variety of ways. They are
high in fiber and carbohydrates, which is why they’re digested more slowly than
other foods. Because of this, you’ll feel full for longer and be less likely to reach
for unhealthy snacks. One of the biggest benefits of chickpeas is the amount of
protein they contain. Protein is super important for both your muscles and your
brain, and it’s one of the key nutrients needed to keep you energized. Chickpeas
are also high in iron, a mineral that helps to keep you healthy by protecting you
from infections. Iron is important because it’s a key component needed to make
red blood cells. Red blood cells are what transport oxygen to all your organs,
which is why iron is so important for your health.

Beans are Good for Your Brain

The amino acid tryptophan is the reason why beans are considered to be good
for your brain. It’s a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of different
foods, including chickpeas. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means
that your body can’t produce it on its own. Tryptophan is necessary for making
serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate your mood. Serotonin is also
known as the “happy chemical” because it’s responsible for making us feel good.

Chickpeas Can Help You Feel Full

If you’re looking to lose weight or eat a more balanced diet, then chickpeas are
worth paying attention to. They’re a great source of fibre, which is what makes
them so good at making you feel full. High-fiber foods are digested more slowly,
which means that they’ll stay in your stomach for longer and help to make you
feel full for longer. Eating more fibre can also help prevent heart disease, type 2
diabetes, and certain types of cancers.

Chickpeas Are Rich in Protein

As we’ve already discussed, chickpeas are rich in protein and a great choice for
anyone trying to increase their protein intake. The recommended daily amount of
protein for adults is approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, if you weigh 80 kilograms, you should aim for no less than
56 grams of protein each day. While this is a general number, it can be helpful as
a guideline when you’re trying to eat healthier.

A Happy Chickpea Salad Doesn’t Have to be Dressed Up

A happy chickpea salad doesn’t have to be dressed up in fancy clothes. There’s
no need to add expensive or unusual ingredients to make it taste amazing. You
can use whatever you have in your kitchen to make a salad that’s healthy and
delicious. To make an awesome chickpea salad, start with a base of chickpeas.
You can use cooked or canned chickpeas or a combination of the two. You can
then top your salad with a variety of different ingredients. Some great additions
include herbs, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. It’s also a good idea to
add some healthy fats like olives, avocados, and other types of oils.

This is our favorite recipe:

Ingredients
● 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
● 3 Tbsp lemon juice, from 1 large lemon
● 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
● 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
● 1/8 tsp black pepper
● 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
● 1 English Cucumber, halved and sliced
● 15 oz chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
● 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
● 1 avocado, sliced
● 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
● 4 oz vegan feta cheese, diced

● Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl: 3 Tbsp olive oil, 3
Tbsp lemon juice, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp

pepper, and whisk to combine (or shake them together in a small mason
jar).
● Combine remaining chickpea salad ingredients in a salad bowl, add
dressing to taste (we used all of it), and toss to coat.

The Best Tasting Chickpea Salads

Baked Chickpea Salad - If you’re looking for something that’s super easy to make
and tastes great, try making a baked chickpea salad. Simply cook your chickpeas
and then mix them with other salad ingredients like avocado, olives, and
sunflower seeds. You can also make it taste extra special by drizzling a
homemade dressing over the top. Baked Sweet Potato Salad - This baked sweet
potato salad is a great choice if you like something a little bit different. Simply
make a salad as normal, although you may want to add some olives or sun-dried
tomatoes. Then, add a sweet potato to the oven while you make the rest of the
dish. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, which is great for your skin.

Get the Right Tools and Ingredients

Salads are the ideal recipe for eating healthily, but you can make them more
nutritious by using the right ingredients and tools. When it comes to ingredients,
low-fat vegan cheeses are great additions to any salad. You can also use nuts,
seeds, and beans, which are high-protein ingredients. Whole grains are also a
great addition to salads, as are fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, making them an
ideal addition to salads. With a little creativity, you can make countless delicious,
healthy dishes. From baked chickpea salads to sweet potato salads, there are
many ways to make an awesome chickpea salad. With the right ingredients and
tools, you can create a nutritional and delicious meal that’s sure to make you
happy.