WW Chickpea Salad
Each dish of this tangy, delicious Weight Watchers Chickpea Salad only counts one WW point. It is bursting with flavor from the juicy bell peppers and tomatoes, the crisp cucumber and celery, and the creamy garbanzo beans.
However, the dressing is my favorite component! Lemon juice gives it a zesty, vibrant flavor. Honey, dill weed, and a tiny bit of Dijon mustard all work well with the lemon. For richness, a small amount of olive oil is also added. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to prepare and how delicious it is, whether you want to use it as a side dish with burgers or transform it into a light lunch with some boneless, skinless chicken on top.
Because it is inherently vegetarian, it is also a great dish to serve at parties, making it suitable for those on a variety of diets! This straightforward chickpea salad is really nourishing and can provide a welcome change of pace if you’re lacking motivation in the kitchen. I promise you’ll love it. This is a great adjustment to add to your rotation! You may even use it to prepare meals and eat it with various lunches all week long.
Reasons to Try This Recipe
It is adaptable. A variety of foods, including grilled chicken, salmon, turkey burgers, and even vegetarian dinners like veggie wraps and sandwiches, go well with this tasty chickpea salad. It gives your food a tangy, vibrant flavor.
Rich in nutrients. This salad has good levels of calcium, potassium, iron, fiber, and protein per serving. This is a result of using so many fresh vegetables and ingredients!
It’s quite easy to make. Chopping the vegetables is the most difficult step. Other than that, all you have to do is combine everything.
Ingredients
▢ Two cans of cooked chickpeas, or garbanzo beans
▢ ½ cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters
▢1 cup of chopped celery (2–3 stalks)
▢ One-third cup of pickled onions
▢ One medium bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced, of any color
▢½ cup or one medium chopped cucumber
Dill and Lemon Weed Dressing
▢ One cup of lemon juice
▢ One teaspoon Dill weed, dried
▢ Three pinches The coriander
▢ Half a teaspoon of salt
▢ 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
▢ One teaspoon Dijon mustard
▢ One tablespoon of pure honey
▢ One tablespoon of olive oil
Directions
1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas and cut the ingredients as needed.
2. Gently combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Whisk the ingredients for the lemon dill dressing separately until well blended.
4. Coat the chickpeas and other ingredients equally by folding the dressing over them. Serve right away or let the flavors settle for a few hours in the refrigerator. Before serving, re-distribute the dressing! Additionally, you can reserve some of the dressing to drizzle over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Health Information
With a range of healthful ingredients that support general wellness, the WW Chickpea Salad is a filling and nutritious dinner choice. Below is a summary of the health advantages:
Garbanzo beans (chicken peas):
Rich in Protein: Chickpeas are a great plant-based source of protein, which is necessary for immune system function, muscle repair, and extending feelings of fullness.
High in Fiber: Packed with dietary fiber, they enhance heart health by decreasing cholesterol, promoting better digestion, and preserving normal blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Minerals: A number of vital elements, including folate, iron, and magnesium, are found in chickpeas and support immune system function, energy production, and bone health.
Fresh vegetables, such as red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers:
Low in Calories: You may keep hydrated and feel full on fewer calories by eating vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, which are low in calories but high in water content.
Packed with Antioxidants: Packed with vitamins, including vitamin C, and other antioxidants, these veggies help shield the body from oxidative stress and lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
Gut Health: A healthy digestive system is also supported by the fiber found in these vegetables.
Olive Oil:
Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can lower the risk of heart disease, are abundant in olive oil.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: It also includes substances with anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower the body’s risk of developing chronic inflammation.
Lemon Juice:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C, which is abundant in lemon juice, strengthens the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and facilitates the absorption of iron from plant-based diets.
Spices and herbs (such as pepper, salt, cumin, and parsley):
Digestive Health: Parsley is high in vitamins and antioxidants, while spices like cumin have been shown to help with digestion.
Flavor with Fewer Calories: For people trying to control their weight, using herbs and spices for seasoning rather than thick dressings or sauces offers flavor without adding a lot of calories.
Cooking Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Always use fresh herbs and vegetables in your salad to enhance its flavor and nutritional content. Your salad will become more colorful and brimming with natural goodness as a result.
Season Well:
The salad’s entire flavor is brought out by the spice, even if the chickpeas contribute a subtle, nutty flavor. Use plenty of lemon juice, olive oil, and the herbs and spices of your choice. Adapt to your personal preferences.
Use Canned or Cooked Chickpeas:
For convenience, you can use canned or cooked chickpeas. Rinse them well if using canned ones to get rid of extra sodium. Soak the dry chickpeas overnight and cook them until they are soft if you like to prepare them.
Make It Ahead:
You can prepare this salad ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a few days. It becomes even more delicious the following day as a result of the flavors combining and developing.
Add Variety:
For added diversity and nutritional benefit, consider using additional vegetables, such as avocado, bell peppers, or carrots, if you’re feeling adventurous. For added taste, you can also add some olives or feta cheese.
Make it a Meal:
You may add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or feta cheese, or you can serve this salad with healthful grains like quinoa or bulgur to make it a whole meal.
Conclusion
In addition to being nutrient-dense and relatively simple to prepare, the WW Chickpea Salad is a nutritious, delectable, and adaptable food. It is perfect for anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle or improve their diet because it provides a superb blend of vitamins, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It’s a filling and tasty choice that you can customize to your taste preferences, whether you’re making it for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. You may improve this dish’s flavor and nutritional content and make it a weekly staple by adhering to a few easy cooking instructions.
