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This Mango and Chickpea Salad, bursting with fresh, tropical flavors, is one of my go-to recipes for potlucks, light lunches, and even quick dinners. One sunny afternoon, a friend brought a similar salad to our hiking trip, and it was an absolute revelation! The sweetness of the mango paired with the earthy chickpeas and zesty lime was the perfect pick-me-up after a long trek. I knew I had to recreate it. After some tweaking and taste-testing, I landed on this version. It's become a staple in my household, and I'm thrilled to share it with you! I remember the first time I made it for my family. My son, who usually turns his nose up at anything remotely 'healthy,' devoured it in minutes. That's when I knew I had a winner! What does this mean for you? It means a quick, easy, and healthy dish that even picky eaters will love! And lets be honest, we all need more of those in our lives!
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your taste. For instance, if you're not a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute it with mint or parsley. If you want a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. One time, I accidentally added a bit too much lime juice, and the salad turned out even more tangy and refreshing! Mistakes can sometimes lead to delicious discoveries. I hope this inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and make this salad your own. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. So, put on some music, grab your ingredients, and let's get started! The most important ingredient is your passion, so grab it with open arms!
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Whisk
Cutting Board
Knife
Zester
Citrus Juicer
Mango and Chickpea Bean Salad with Lime Zest: Frequently Asked Questions
Mango and Chickpea Bean Salad with Lime Zest
This refreshing Mango and Chickpea Salad with Lime Zest is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or vibrant side dish, it's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. A surefire win for any occasion!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, get your chickpeas ready. If you're using canned, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain well. If you're cooking them from scratch, make sure they're tender but not mushy.
Next, prep the mango. Peel the mango, then cut the flesh away from the pit. Dice the mango into small, bite-sized pieces.
Now for the other veggies! Dice the red onion into small, even pieces. Mince the cilantro and jalapeño (if using). Zest and juice the lime.
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more lime juice for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve the salad cold. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired. This salad is delicious on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy!