| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 352 | 15g | 2g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 12g | 13g | 1.2g |
I grew up in two worlds, surrounded by the warmth of Southern cooking from Atlanta and the spice of West African dishes from my Nigerian heritage. Both hold a special place in my culinary world. One of the recipes I adore and that elegantly combines these influences is the Chickpea Salad with Black Mustard Seed Dressing. This isn’t just your average salad; it’s a beautiful blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and healthy protein that’s perfect for any meal.
A Symphony of Flavours
This salad is a burst of flavors in your mouth. The combination of chickpeas with cucumbers, ripe juicy tomatoes, and multi-colored bell peppers provides a crunchy freshness to the dish. The red onions deliver a slightly sharp bite, balancing out the sweetness of the veggies and the earthiness of the chickpeas. However, the real heart and soul of this Chickpea Salad with Black Mustard Seed Dressing lie in its unique dressing.
The Powerhouse Dressing
Black mustard seeds, when toasted in extra-virgin olive oil, release their nutty aroma, forming the base of the dressing. Paired with fresh lime juice, it creates the perfect tangy contrast against the earthy chickpeas. Additionally, garlic brings a hint of pungency, and the use of fresh cilantro and mint leaves offers a cooling aftertaste. It’s a marriage of flavours that pays homage to the Afro-Southern style of cooking I have come to champion.
Moreover, this dressing is more than just flavours. Black mustard seeds are packed with nutritional benefits, like being an excellent source of selenium and magnesium, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. With its high protein content, chickpeas provide enough fuel for the day. Indeed, this is a salad that not only satisfies your taste buds but also takes care of your well-being.
If you’re familiar with the vibrant salads native to Moroccan cuisine, you’ll find similarities here. And as a suggestion, pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a versatile side dish that’s ready to steal the show.
So next time you want a refreshing, healthy, and unique salad, remember the Chickpea Salad with Black Mustard Seed Dressing. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a beautiful culinary journey that connects my Afro-Southern roots to your table. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cans of chickpeas (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup of assorted bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of black mustard seeds
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop up your medium red onion, dice your ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and assorted bell peppers. Grate your medium carrots, and chop your fresh cilantro and mint leaves. Combine all these in a large salad bowl.
Step Two
Rinse your canned chickpeas in clean water. Once rid of the canned water, add them to the salad bowl. Mix the vegetables and chickpeas together until they are well combined.
Step Three
Now, it’s time to prepare the dressing. Start by toasting your black mustard seeds over medium heat. Stir them continuously, ensuring they don’t burn. After a few minutes, they should start to pop. When the seeds begin to pop, remove them from the heat and set aside.
Step Four
Take a small bowl and combine the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and the toasted black mustard seeds. Stir them together until well blended. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
Step Five
Drizzle the black mustard seed dressing over the chickpea salad. Toss the salad well, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step Six
Finally, allow the salad to refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving, this will allow the flavors to mix and enhance. Your Chickpea Salad with Black Mustard Seed dressing is ready to enjoy!
