This Spicy Harissa Chickpea Salad recipe has become part of the weekly rotation at our house. It is light enough to serve alongside grilled fish or a big plate of hummus; but hearty enough to enjoy in a big bowl on its own for lunch.
The inspiration for this salad came from a food memory of a lunch we enjoyed in London last year. I cannot remember the name of the place, it was a small little cafe that we poked into to grab a bite. Being fans of Middle Eastern food, this place was the perfect spot to fill our appetite. I loved the spiciness of the Harissa mixed with lemon and a tangy yogurt dressing flavored with cilantro and mint, which enhanced rest of the flavors. The recipe will definitely take you to a faraway land with each bite.
Enjoy!
Recipe: Spicy Harissa Chickpea Salad
serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup whole milk greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons mint, minced
- 1/3 cup cilantro + 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
- kosher salt, to taste
How To:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas really well. Then let sit for about 15 minutes to dry. The drier the chickpeas are, the better the dressing coats them.
- Mix the yogurt with the milk, 2 tablespoons mint, and cilantro. Stir, then season to taste with the salt. Set aside.
- Place the chickpeas, red onion, garlic, Harissa, olive oil, and lemon juice into a mixing bowl. Gently toss together.
- Stir the 1/3 cup of mint and cilantro into the chickpeas.
- Serve alongside the yogurt dressing.
- Eat.
More Recipes Using Chickpeas
Freekeh Kale Salad with Crispy Harissa Chickpeas
Saffron Tomato Chickpeas and Brussles Sprout Bowls
Sam
Monday 22nd of October 2018
I'm not typically a chickpea fan, but my new diet wants me to start incorporating them. So I tried this recipe last night - and it was so good! I was legitimately in shock that I liked a chickpea-focused recipe! Must have been the delicious harissa flavor, its one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing!
Denise Woodward
Wednesday 31st of October 2018
Hi Sam! Yeah for the chickpea. We would love a diet that wanted us to eat more - so glad you enjoyed!!
Phi
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
Hi Denise, this recipe sounds right up there with foods I enjoy! I love a good Mediterranean inspired dish, and loved hearing how it was inspired by something you had in London (Nick and I went to London only for a few days two years ago, and we have been aching to go back because we had such a good time there!) Definitely adding this to the 'must make' list :)