Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw

Name: Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Flavor | Quick Tastes

I absolutely love serving this Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw at gatherings. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with protein from the chickpeas. The combination of crisp veggies and a tangy dressing makes every bite exciting. It’s not only a colorful addition to any table but also a great way to get my family to enjoy their vegetables. I often prep this slaw ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it perfect for busy days when I want something wholesome yet effortless.

Created by

Mia

Last updated on 2026-02-11T15:10:28.187Z

Creating this Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw was inspired by my love for fresh and healthy recipes. I wanted a dish that was both nutritious and satisfying, especially as a side for barbecues or picnic lunches. The chickpeas add a nice crunch and a delightful source of protein, making it a balanced choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

While experimenting with dressings, I discovered that a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard creates a delicious tang that lifts the slaw perfectly. It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein from chickpeas for a filling dish
Vibrant colors and textures that please the eye and palate
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Selecting the Best Ingredients

Choosing high-quality ingredients is key to elevating your Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw. Fresh, crisp vegetables not only enhance the overall flavor but also contribute to the slaw's satisfying texture. Look for cabbage that is tightly packed and heavy for its size, and vibrant carrots that are firm and unblemished. A good red bell pepper should have a glossy skin, indicating freshness. For the best flavor, try to use fresh cilantro instead of dried, as the flavor complexity it adds is unmatched.

When selecting chickpeas, I prefer using canned ones for convenience, but make sure to drain and rinse them well. This step removes excess sodium and any metallic taste from the can, ensuring your slaw remains fresh and vibrant. If you're feeling adventurous, you can use cooked dried chickpeas, which tend to have a firmer texture, offering a delightful crunch. Keep in mind that if you're using homemade chickpeas, make sure to let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

Enhancing Flavor with the Dressing

The dressing is a critical component of the Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard not only provides a punchy flavor but also helps to tenderize the vegetables slightly while maintaining their crunch. For an added layer of depth, consider incorporating a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar; this will balance the acidity of the lemon juice with a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Feel free to experiment with different vinegars if you want to tweak the dressing. Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic can provide a milder sweetness compared to lemon juice and can make for a delightful variation. Also, if you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing, which also bolsters its nutritional profile. Just remember, if you opt for a creamier dressing, be cautious of how much salt you add, as this can intensify the flavor.

Ingredients

Start with these fresh ingredients for a crunchy slaw that’s bursting with flavor.

Slaw Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to form a refreshing slaw that's perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw to life!

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, diced red bell pepper, chickpeas, cilantro, and red onion. Toss everything together to ensure an even mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until all the ingredients are coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Enjoy your slaw as a side dish, or top it on your favorite tacos!

Pro Tips

For a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best features of this slaw is its ability to be made ahead of time. To fully develop the flavors, I recommend preparing the slaw a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, if you prefer to keep things extra crunchy, store the dressing separately and add it right before serving. This way, the vegetables will retain their texture, and the flavors will still be vibrant.

If you're prepping several servings, it’s easy to scale this recipe. Simply double or triple the amounts, keeping in mind that the dressing can easily be adjusted based on your taste preference. A quick tip is to mix a larger batch of the dressing and store it in a jar for future slaws; it lasts well in the fridge for about a week.

Serving Suggestions

This Crunchy Chickpea Spring Slaw is wonderfully versatile and can stand alone as a light meal or a side dish. I love serving it with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast, or as a topping on tacos for added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with toppings; try adding some sliced avocado or toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra protein and healthy fats.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider making a slaw bar! Prepare the base slaw and dressing separately, and provide a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or even diced fruits like mango to let guests customize their own portions. This adds an interactive element to your dining experience, making it not only delicious but fun too.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like diced cucumbers, radishes, or even avocado for extra creaminess.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! All ingredients in this slaw are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan dish.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best consumed fresh.