Craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chickpea Salad Bento Box! In just 10 magical minutes, you'll create a vibrant, protein-packed lunch that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking to spice up their lunch routine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Global
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of red onion, 1/4 cup of parsley, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
- Open the can of chickpeas. Drain the liquid and rinse the chickpeas under cold water in a colander to remove any excess sodium and canning residue.
- While the chickpeas are draining, wash the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Next, finely chop the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain it before adding to the salad.
- Chop the fresh parsley finely, removing any tough stems. This will add a fresh flavor to your salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, then adjust according to your preference.
- Once the salad is well mixed, divide it into two portions for your bento box. You can pack it in separate compartments or in a single container, depending on your bento box design.
- For added nutrition and variety, consider adding some sliced avocado, feta cheese, or a handful of mixed greens to your bento box.
- Seal your bento box and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy your chickpea salad. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Chickpea Prep Perfection: Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.
- Flavor Boost: Let your salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap herbs or add extra vegetables based on your preference or what's in your fridge.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Texture Tip: For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
- Dressing Hack: Make extra dressing and store it separately to refresh the salad if it sits for a few hours.
- Temperature Matters: While delicious cold, letting the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes can enhance its flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
