Inspired by: @giuliafabrini
Are you searching for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that bursts with fresh flavors? Look no further! This delightful Vegan Chickpea and Courgette (Zucchini) Salad, featuring a unique creamy basil-walnut dressing, is exactly what your taste buds crave. It’s perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or a light, satisfying dinner.
This recipe is designed for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based protein and fresh vegetables into their diet without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs. As one abillion user commented, "That looks so tasty 😋!! Yum!" – and it truly is! Get ready to enjoy a dish that lives up to its "true colors" promise, delivering super fresh and tasty goodness in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or speedy meal prep.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from walnuts and extra virgin olive oil.
- Super Fresh & Flavorful: A vibrant combination of fresh courgettes (zucchini), juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customized to your preference.
A vibrant display of fresh ingredients ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 (15-ounce / 400g) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium courgette (zucchini), finely diced or grated
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (50g) fresh rocket (arugula/rucola)
For the Creamy Basil-Walnut Dressing
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, walnuts, unsweetened almond milk, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a tiny splash more almond milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, diced courgette (zucchini), halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh rocket (arugula/rucola).
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy basil-walnut dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, nutritious, and incredibly tasty meal!
The finished True Colours Chickpea Salad, ready to be enjoyed.
Variations & Adaptations
- Add Grains: For a more substantial meal, serve this salad over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
- Extra Protein: Include crumbled firm tofu or pan-fried tempeh for an additional protein boost.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for walnuts in the dressing if you have a nut allergy.
- Seasonal Greens: Experiment with other leafy greens like spinach or kale instead of rocket.
Tips & Hacks
- Batch Prep: Make a larger batch of the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes future salad assembly even faster!
- Texture Play: For a finer texture in the salad, you can lightly mash some of the chickpeas before mixing.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad is fantastic on its own, but also pairs well as a side dish to a vegan burger or grilled vegetables.
Ready to create your own vibrant dish and experience pure freshness? This Chickpea and Courgette Salad is a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy vegan food can be!
Share your culinary creations with the abillion community and inspire others to try this incredible recipe!
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Looking for more easy, healthy, and delicious vegan recipes? Explore these other fantastic options on abillion:
- Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini - Craving a hearty, flavorful bowl? Dive into this falafel sensation.
- Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine - Simplify dinner with this aromatic and comforting one-pot wonder.
- Extra Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas - Turn simple chickpeas into a delightful, crispy snack!
- Vegan Taco Salad Recipe - Spice up your salad routine with this fun and customizable taco salad.
- Creamy Vegan Avocado Toast - Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this smooth, rich classic.
