Aldi Chickpea Salad Recipe

This refreshing and protein-packed chickpea salad inspired by Aldi’s version is easy to make and perfect for meal prep. It combines chickpeas, edamame, and a zesty dressing, making it a nutritious option for lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup finely diced carrots
1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (red or green)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, shelled edamame, diced carrots, bell peppers, and dried cranberries.

Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Combine:

Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Chill:

You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

Enjoy this salad as a light lunch on its own or as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of cooked chickpeas?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas instead of cooked chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are convenient and ready to use—just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to your salad. For every can of chickpeas, you can use approximately 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas if you prefer cooking them from dried

What other types of beans can I substitute for chickpeas?

You can substitute chickpeas with several other types of beans, including:

Cannellini Beans: Creamy texture and mild flavor.
Great Northern Beans: Similar in texture to chickpeas.
Black Beans: Add a different flavor profile and work well in salads.
Kidney Beans: Provide a hearty texture and color contrast.

How can I make the salad spicy?

To make your chickpea salad spicy:

Add Fresh Peppers: Incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for heat.
Use Spicy Mustard: Replace regular mustard with a spicy variety in the dressing.
Incorporate Hot Sauce: Mix in your favorite hot sauce or chili paste into the dressing.
Include Spices: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the salad or dressing for extra heat.

Can I add some heat with red pepper flakes?

Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes is a great way to introduce heat to your chickpea salad. You can sprinkle them directly into the salad or mix them into the dressing, adjusting the amount according to your spice preference

What are some good dips to serve with this salad?

Here are some delicious dips that pair well with chickpea salad:

Hummus: Classic and versatile; great for dipping veggies or pita chips.
Tzatziki: A yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic that complements the flavors of the salad.
Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness.
Spicy Salsa: Fresh salsa adds a nice kick and pairs well with the salad’s flavors.

These suggestions will help you customize your chickpea salad and enhance your meal experience! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures!

This Aldi-inspired chickpea salad is not only delicious but also versatile—feel free to add other ingredients such as diced cucumbers, avocado, or fresh herbs to customize it to your taste!