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Craving a vibrant, healthy salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Chickpea Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is your answer! Sweet mangoes, hearty chickpeas, and a zesty dressing combine for a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Mango Salad

Get ready to fall in love with this salad! It’s:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful: The chili lime dressing adds a delicious kick.
Healthy: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to your liking with different toppings and veggies.

The aroma alone will have you hooked, and the taste will leave you wanting more. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients Needed for Your Mango Chickpea Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chickpea Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing. Freshness is key for the best flavor, but don’t hesitate to use frozen mango if fresh isn’t available!

For the salad:

Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed (approximately 850g).
Mangoes: 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 500g). Choose mangoes that are slightly firm to the touch.
Red Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced (around 150g). Select one that’s firm and bright in color.
Red Onion: 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 75g).
Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (approximately 15g).
Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (approximately 15g).

For the dressing:

Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons (about 45ml). Freshly squeezed is always best for maximum flavor.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml). Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (about 15ml). Use honey for a richer flavor or maple syrup for a vegan option.
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (about 5ml). For a spicier kick, use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.5ml). Toast the cumin lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.25ml). Adjust to taste.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.25ml). Freshly ground is preferred.

Consider visiting your local farmer’s market for the freshest herbs and produce! Remember, quality ingredients make a difference in the final taste.

Optional toppings:

Toasted Almonds or Walnuts: 1/4 cup (approximately 30g). Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

The addition of nuts brings a delightful textural contrast to the salad.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors!

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these tools ready to whip up this refreshing salad:

Chickpea mango salad with chili lime dressing.

Large mixing bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.

Small bowl: For preparing the dressing.

Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.

Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping.

Sharp knife: For dicing the mangoes, bell pepper, and onion. A good quality knife makes all the difference.

Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.

Having the right tools not only makes cooking easier but also more enjoyable.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy

This Chickpea Mango Salad is so simple to prepare, even a beginner can master it! Scale the recipe easily to feed a larger crowd.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Chickpea Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference!

Prepare the Salad Base

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced mangoes, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. This vibrant mix of colors and textures is the foundation of your salad.

Add the Fresh Herbs

Incorporate Herbs: Add the chopped cilantro and mint to the bowl. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed.

These herbs bring a burst of freshness and aroma to the salad.

Make the Chili Lime Dressing

Whisk Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

The key to a great dressing is a good emulsion, which ensures the flavors blend harmoniously.

Combine and Chill

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Final Touches and Serving

Final Toss: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add Toppings: Top with toasted almonds or walnuts if desired for added crunch and flavor.
Serve: Serve chilled as a main dish or side salad.

A final sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a touch of elegance. Enjoy every bite!

CHECK OUT: Chickpea Cucumber Avocado Salad with Chili Lime – Another refreshing salad with similar flavors!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chickpea Mango Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Use Ripe Mangoes: Ensure the mangoes are ripe but not overly soft for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing and add more to taste to avoid a soggy salad.
Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
Toast the Nuts: Toasting the almonds or walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh cilantro and mint for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.

Vibrant mango chickpea salad with lime wedges.

If the dressing is too tangy, add a touch more honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize this salad? Here are a few ideas:

Add Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Use Different Herbs: Try basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the Nuts: Use pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds instead of almonds or walnuts.
Add Grains: Incorporate quinoa or couscous for a heartier salad.

Feel free to experiment and make this salad your own!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Chickpea Mango Salad

This Chickpea Mango Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

Main Dish: Serve it as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Side Salad: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Potlucks: Bring it to your next potluck or BBQ.
Wraps: Use it as a filling for wraps or pita pockets.

For a complete meal, try serving it with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Health Benefits

This Chickpea Mango Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits:

High in Protein: Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Vitamins & Minerals: Mangoes and bell peppers provide essential vitamins and minerals, boosting your immune system.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil contributes healthy fats, beneficial for heart health.

Enjoy this salad knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients! It’s a delightful way to boost your daily nutrient intake.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and enjoy your Chickpea Mango Salad later:

Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Dressing: If possible, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold; reheating is not recommended.

Ensure the salad is cooled completely before storing it to maintain its freshness and flavor. Properly stored, it makes a great grab-and-go lunch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I use frozen mangoes?

Absolutely! Thaw the mangoes completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.

How do I make the dressing spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the dressing for an extra kick.

Can I substitute the honey or maple syrup?

Yes, you can use agave nectar or another sweetener of your choice.

What other vegetables can I add?

Cucumber, avocado, and corn are all great additions to this salad.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Refreshing chickpea and mango salad, close-up.

Fat: 10g
Fiber: 12g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Check out these delicious recipes:

Chickpea Cucumber Avocado Salad with Chili Lime – A refreshing twist on a classic!
Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – Packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette – A zesty and colorful salad.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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Chickpea Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing