Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing
A refreshing, protein-packed salad with chickpeas, crisp cucumber, and a creamy tahini dressing, ideal for hot days. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, high-protein) ready in about 40 minutes blends (15 oz) chickpeas, medium cucumber, red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
- 2 medium cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly, then pat dry. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp paprika, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until crisp at edges.
- Step 2: While chickpeas roast, peel and dice cucumber into 1/4-inch cubes. Thinly slice red onion and chop mint.
- Step 3: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine roasted chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and mint. Pour tahini dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Season with additional salt, dill, and paprika. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.