Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

Craving a salad that bursts with flavor and a delightful kick? This Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad is your answer! The sweetness of juicy peaches dances with the hearty chickpeas and a touch of spice, creating a symphony of tastes. Inspired by vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next barbecue, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into the magic of this Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad. It’s so much more than just a salad!

  • Ready in just 20 minutes – a lifesaver on busy days.
  • A vibrant blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
  • Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying meal.
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan.
  • Budget-friendly with simple, accessible ingredients.
  • Far less cleanup than a cooked dinner.
  • An irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen.
  • Simple enough for a beginner cook.

Ingredients Needed for Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference!

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe peaches (about 300g), pitted and diced
  • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 red onion (about 75g), thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper (about 150g), diced. Pick firm, bright bell peppers; frozen works in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup (about 15g) fresh cilantro, chopped. Find fresh herbs at farmers’ markets for the best flavor.
  • 1 jalapeño (about 10g), seeded and minced (optional, for extra spice)

Spicy Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cumin. For spices, toast them lightly to unlock flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Peach Burrata Salad – A creamy and refreshing twist on summer flavors.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Large mixing bowl for tossing the salad.
  • Small bowl or jar for mixing the dressing.
  • Sharp knife for dicing the peaches and vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Optional: A citrus juicer for easier lime juicing.
  • Recipe Details

    Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when making this Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad:

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Servings: 4
    • Difficulty: Easy

    Scale up this recipe easily for a crowd or halve it for a quick solo lunch.

    Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

    Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad!

    Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

    Firstly, dice the peaches, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the red bell pepper. Mince the jalapeño if you’re using it. Chop the fresh cilantro. Proper prep ensures even flavors in every bite.

    Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

    Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, drained and rinsed chickpeas, sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

    Step 3: Make the Spicy Dressing

    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A balanced dressing elevates the entire salad.

    Step 4: Dress the Salad

    Pour the spicy dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes!

    Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

    Finally, serve the Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad immediately or chill for later. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad as a light lunch, side dish, or snack!

    CHECK OUT: Watermelon Salad with Feta – A sweet and savory salad option perfect for hot summer days.

    Tips for Success with Your Salad

    Want to take your Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad to the next level? Here are some tips to ensure it’s perfect every time:

    • Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. Overripe peaches can become mushy.
    • Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium.
    • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
    • Don’t overdress the salad; add just enough to coat the ingredients.
    • For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    Variations & Substitutions

    Feel free to customize this Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad to your liking!

    • Add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.
    • Substitute the peaches with nectarines or plums.
    • Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, instead of chickpeas.
    • Add chopped avocado for a creamy texture.
    • For a vegan option, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
    • Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

      Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

      This Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes.

      • Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
      • Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own.
      • Pair it with tortilla chips or pita bread for a snack.
      • Serve it at your next barbecue or potluck.

      Health Benefits of Peaches and Chickpeas

      This Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!

      • Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
      • Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
      • The salad is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy and guilt-free option.

      Storage & Reheating Tips

      Here’s how to store and reheat your Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad for optimal freshness:

      • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
      • The salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
      • If the salad seems dry after being stored, add a little extra dressing before serving.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Got questions about making this Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad? We’ve got answers!

      How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

      This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

      Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?

      Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad. Fresh peaches will provide the best flavor and texture.

      Can I make this salad ahead of time?

      Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

      Can I freeze this salad?

      Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the peaches and other ingredients may change upon thawing.

      What if I don’t like jalapeños?

      You can omit the jalapeño entirely or substitute it with a milder pepper, such as a poblano pepper.

      Nutritional Information

      Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of this Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad:

      • Serving Size: 1 cup
      • Calories: Approximately 250
      • Fat: 12g
      • Carbohydrates: 30g
      • Protein: 8g

      Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. For precise information, a nutrition calculator is recommended.

      More Delicious Dishes to Explore

      Craving more delightful and healthy salads? Check out these delicious recipes!

      Conclusion

      This Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad is a fast, flavorful, and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece! This salad is sure to become a new favorite!

      Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas!

      Happy cooking!

      Print
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      Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad

      Spicy Peach & Chickpea Salad


      • Author: Lorena
      • Total Time: 15 minutes
      • Yield: 4 servings 1x

      Description

      A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring sweet peaches, hearty chickpeas, and a spicy kick!


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 2 ripe peaches (300g), diced
      • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
      • 1/2 red onion (75g), thinly sliced
      • 1 red bell pepper (150g), diced
      • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (15g), chopped
      • 1 jalapeño (10g), minced (optional)
      • 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
      • 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml)
      • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
      • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5ml)
      • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (2.5ml)
      • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25ml)
      • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml)

      Instructions

      1. Dice peaches, slice red onion, dice bell pepper, mince jalapeño (if using), and chop cilantro.
      2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, chickpeas, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
      3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
      4. Pour dressing over salad and toss.
      5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

      Notes

      • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder to your liking.
      • Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
      • Prep Time: 15 minutes
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Category: Salad
      • Method: No-Cook
      • Cuisine: Mediterranean

      Nutrition

      • Serving Size: 1 cup
      • Calories: 250
      • Sugar: 15g
      • Sodium: 200mg
      • Fat: 12g
      • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
      • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
      • Trans Fat: 0g
      • Carbohydrates: 30g
      • Fiber: 8g
      • Protein: 8g
      • Cholesterol: 0mg

      Keywords: spicy peach salad, chickpea salad, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, vegan salad, easy salad recipe

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