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Craving a vibrant, nutritious, and utterly delicious salad? Look no further! This Chickpea, Edamame, and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is a flavor explosion that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Inspired by Asian flavors and packed with plant-based protein, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea, Edamame & Cabbage Salad

Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant salad! Here’s why you need to add it to your recipe rotation:

Ready in Minutes: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Flavor Explosion: The sesame dressing perfectly complements the fresh veggies and protein-packed chickpeas and edamame.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, readily available ingredients.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for a convenient and healthy lunch option.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and toppings.
Satisfyingly Crunchy: The cabbage and sesame seeds add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Imagine the aroma of toasted sesame seeds filling your kitchen as you toss together this irresistible salad. Simple enough for a beginner, yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients Needed for Chickpea, Edamame and Cabbage Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad. Quality ingredients make all the difference!

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (425g)
1 cup shelled edamame, thawed if frozen (approximately 170g)
2 cups shredded green cabbage (about 200g)
1 cup shredded red cabbage (around 100g)
1/2 cup shredded carrots (approximately 50g)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (about 25g)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (around 20g)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons sesame oil (45ml)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30ml)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml)
1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (about 5g)
1 garlic clove, minced (around 3g)

Selection Tips: Look for vibrant green and red cabbage heads that feel firm to the touch. Frozen edamame is a great option for convenience, just make sure to thaw it completely. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant. You can typically find high-quality sesame oil and rice vinegar in the Asian section of most supermarkets.

Bold with embedded link: YOU MIGHT LOVE: Chickpea, Spinach & Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A Mediterranean-inspired delight!

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large mixing bowl: For tossing all the salad ingredients together.
Small mixing bowl: To whisk the dressing.
Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing and creating a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Grater: For shredding the carrots and ginger.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing the green onions and mincing the garlic.

A good quality whisk will help you achieve a perfectly emulsified dressing, ensuring all the flavors blend harmoniously. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots quickly.

Chickpea, edamame, cabbage salad with sesame dressing.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Scale this recipe up for a crowd or halve it for a solo lunch. It’s incredibly versatile!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chickpea Edamame Cabbage Salad

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious salad. Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking!

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, thawed edamame, shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.

Make sure the chickpeas are well-drained to prevent a soggy salad. The vibrant colors of the cabbage and carrots create a visually appealing dish.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing

Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined and emulsified.

Whisk vigorously to ensure the dressing is smooth and creamy. Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick, but you can use ginger powder if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and gently mix to distribute.

Tossing the salad ensures that every piece is coated with the flavorful sesame dressing. Don’t skip the toasted sesame seeds – they add a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld and Serve

Let it Sit: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Allowing the salad to sit gives the flavors time to blend and deepen. This salad is delicious served cold, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.

CHECK OUT: Thai Cabbage Chicken Salad – A similar, but different, flavor profile!

Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips for the best possible salad:

Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing and add more to taste.
Toast Sesame Seeds: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor.
Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried ginger.
Prep Ahead: Shred the cabbage and carrots in advance to save time.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey to adjust the sweetness of the dressing.

If your dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it out. Pre-measuring your ingredients will make the process even smoother!

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize this salad? Here are some delicious variations:

Add Protein: Grilled tofu or shredded chicken would be great additions.
Veggies: Try adding sliced bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the dressing.
Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats.

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes a good substitute. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Vibrant chickpea salad with edamame, cabbage, and sesame dressing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Chickpea, Edamame & Cabbage Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

Main Course: Serve it as a light lunch or dinner on its own.
Side Dish: Pair it with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Wraps: Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or pita pockets.
Drinks: Enjoy it with a refreshing glass of iced green tea or sparkling water.

This salad is perfect for summer picnics and potlucks. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Health Benefits of this Cabbage Chickpea and Edamame Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!

Chickpeas & Edamame: Excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber.
Cabbage: Rich in vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body.
Sesame Seeds: Good source of healthy fats, calcium, and iron.

The high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it a great choice for weight management. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers:

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Tips: If you plan to store the salad for more than a day, consider storing the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Make sure the salad is completely cooled before storing it in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cabbage may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prepping. Just store the dressing separately and toss it together right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey in the dressing.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

While fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried ginger in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger for every teaspoon of fresh ginger.

Nutritional Information

Approximately 280 calories per serving
Serving Size: 1 cup

Please note that exact nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the macros:

Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g

Close-up of colorful chickpea, edamame, and cabbage salad.

Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 9g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more healthy and flavorful recipes? Try these other gems:

Chickpea, Feta, and Avocado Salad – A Mediterranean-inspired salad packed with healthy fats and protein.
Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Bowl – A hearty and satisfying bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.
Edamame Quinoa Salad with Carrot and Ginger Dressing – A vibrant and nutritious salad with a delicious ginger-sesame dressing.

Conclusion

This Chickpea, Edamame, and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits make it a winner every time. Whip it up tonight and experience the magic for yourself!

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Chickpea, Edamame, and Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing