Oh salads, they are the perfect side for different dishes or a really nice lunch. I honestly am a big fan of salads and the fantastic thing about them, is that there a ton of varieties. I’d say there is pretty much something for everyone. You can make a light salad to work as a side dish or starter; lettuce based, some nice dressing, and when it comes to other ingredients, sky is the limit. You can throw in some sweet ingredients like certain types of fruits, or if you want to add something crunchy you can include croutons or some nuts.
For example, here is a recipe for a bit of a sweet salad, it’s got apples, peanuts, celery, and more. Plus, it is really easy to make.
If on the other hand, you’re looking for a more filling salad, for lunch let’s say, you can include some type of protein like boiled eggs, ham, chicken, etc., or grains such as rice. There are even some salads that can be eaten as a dessert, such as fruit salad.
The point here is that you can find a huge diversity when it comes to salads, and even if you think that salads are not for you, you might something you actually like.
Chickpea & Rice Salad
This recipe is super easy to make and you won’t need that many ingredients. I personally like having it as a side, as you can see in the picture below. I had it with some chicken for dinner but that’s just a suggestion.
What I love about this salad is that it resembles pico de gallo, which if you don’t know what it is, is a type of Mexican salad. It is made with chopped tomatoes, onion, and cilantro (it can also contain jalapenos). For this salad, we use the same base but we add a couple more ingredients.
Let’s get to it!
Chickpea & Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cup canned chickpeas
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 white onion
- 1 lime
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the rice to remove all the unnecessary starch. If you want to know more about it, here's a helpful video.
- Once it is rinsed, cook it following the package instructions. I personally added 1 cup of water, some onion, and garlic powder, and let it cook on low heat with a lid on, until ready. If you need to, add more water.
- In the meantime, chop the tomatoes and onions. If you haven't chopped the cilantro yet, go ahead and do so. Place it all in a salad bowl.
- Drain the canned chickpeas and add them into the bowl, as well.
- Squeeze the lime juice and add it to the rest of the ingredients. Mix until it is all nicely incorporated.
- Finally, when the rice is ready, allow it to cool down for some minutes and then add it to the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix. Be careful not to overmix so that the rice doesn't get all messy.
How easy was that?
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and if you make it, please let me know what you thought of it!
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Nadya says
This looks amazing – can’t wait to try it!! 😀
AS says
Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Giangi says
Great recipe, all my favorite ingredients. And so easy to make too.
Thank you for sharing.
Kalin says
Yum! This sounds so simple and delicious. I’m always looking for new salads!
Jimmy Clare says
This is making me hungry stop it
LaRena Fry says
Sounds yummy a perfect side dish for any time.
Stephanie says
Oooh this would be such a bright and refreshing lunch meal! I’m usually not SUPER hungry midday and I feel like it would be enough to fill me up but not make me feel bloated. The flavors all sound divine together and if I remove the onion (horrible allergy of mine) I’m sure I’d thoroughly enjoy it 🙂
AS says
It is a nice option for something refreshing and not overly filling. I’m sure that without the onion it’d taste amazing too!