Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of vibrant flavors? Look no further than this Spicy Garbanzo Bean Salad! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein-rich garbanzo beans, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this Middle Eastern-inspired salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the recipe below and discover how simple it is to create a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Open the can of garbanzo beans, drain them in a colander, and rinse them under cold running water to remove any excess sodium and preserve their freshness.
- Next, take the red onion and dice it finely. This will add a nice crunch and a slightly sweet flavor to your salad.
- Dice the bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. You can choose any color of bell pepper you prefer; red, yellow, or green will all work well in this dish.
- Carefully slice the jalapeño pepper in half, remove the seeds (if you prefer less heat), and mince it finely. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This will serve as your dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as necessary based on your preference.
- Gently toss the salad again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing and seasoning. Be careful not to mash the garbanzo beans.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Serve the Spicy Garbanzo Bean Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, when you're ready to make the salad, everything is ready to go!
- Customize Your Heat: If you love spice, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, or add more if you dare! For a milder version, consider using a small amount of diced bell pepper instead.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add ingredients like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing will enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving, especially on hot summer days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
