Spiced Chickpea & Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: While chickpeas roast, peel and dice cucumber into 1/4-inch cubes. Thinly slice red onion and chop mint.
  3. Step 3: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine roasted chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and mint. Pour tahini dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Season with additional salt, dill, and paprika. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.

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