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Fresh Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

fresh asian cucumber and chickpea slaw - featured image
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A quick, refreshing slaw combining crisp cucumber, chickpeas, and a nutty sesame dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Chop the red bell pepper finely and slice the green onions thinly. Chop cilantro if using.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy. Add warm water a teaspoon at a time if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  4. In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumber, chickpeas, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro with the sesame dressing, coating evenly but avoiding mashing the chickpeas.
  5. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and gently toss once more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or chill for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving if prepping ahead. Toasting sesame seeds is essential for flavor. Use a mandoline slicer for quick, even cucumber slices. Substitute peanut butter for tahini for a different twist. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber slaw, chickpea salad, sesame dressing, healthy salad, quick recipe, vegan, gluten-free, easy side dish

Find it online: https://larameals.com/fresh-asian-cucumber-and-chickpea-slaw-recipe-easy-healthy-sesame-dressing/