Looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Smashed Chickpea Salad with Pecans and Grapes! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that combines the creamy texture of chickpeas with the crunch of toasted pecans and the sweetness of juicy grapes. Perfect as a refreshing salad, a hearty sandwich filling, or served atop a bed of greens, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly in a colander, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to gently smash the chickpeas, leaving some chunks for texture. Avoid over-mashing to maintain some whole chickpea pieces.
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Wash the grapes and slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and uniform in size.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Add the smashed chickpeas, toasted pecans, and halved grapes to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating and distribution of the dressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing carefully to incorporate.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a salad, sandwich filling, or on a bed of mixed greens.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chickpeas: For the best texture, opt for high-quality canned chickpeas. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
- Don’t Over-Mash: When smashing the chickpeas, aim for a mix of textures. Leaving some whole chickpeas adds a delightful bite to the salad.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard ratios to suit your taste. You can also experiment with adding herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serve Creatively: This salad is versatile! Try it in a wrap, as a topping for crackers, or even stuffed into avocados for a unique presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
