If you loved my OG Smashed Chickpea Salad, then prepare to fall in-love with this recipe. My Smashed Chickpea Curry Salad is the perfect way to add an extra kick to your weekday lunches. With ingredients like apples, walnuts, carrots, curry, and raisins, this is not your mama’s chickpea salad. This recipe packs a punch, and is so flavorful and delicious, you wouldn’t believe it was vegetarian and grain-free!
Friends, when I say to not sleep on a recipe, I truly mean it. And this is one recipe that you do not want to sleep on! Chickpea salad may not seem like the most exciting recipe at first… but when you bite into it, it quickly becomes a favorite. In fact, some days, I love chickpea salad more than I love an OG chicken salad. There’s something about the flavor and texture of chickpeas that just hits different!
And, not to mention, chickpeas are an amazing source of plant-based protein. While I am a big believer in making room for all foods in my “diet,” it’s common knowledge that a plant-rich diet is, generally, healthier for you. Which is why I love to create delicious plant-based recipes like this one, to help make it easier to skip the meat every now and then!
The Best Part About This Curry Chickpea Salad Recipe
Contrary to what you may think, the best part of this recipe is not the fact that it’s plant-based, nor is it that it’s plant-based.
In fact, the best part of this recipe is that it is completely MAYO-FREE.
If you’ve been here before, then you may know that mayo is one of those foods that I just cannot handle under any circumstance. Don’t ask me why, I’ve just never been a fan! It’s why I’ve been on a personal mission to create delicious mayo-free recipes, like my No-Mayo Egg Salad or my Mayo-Free Mexican Street Corn Tostadas. If you’re like me and you don’t like mayo either, then you’re going to love these recipes, and my Curry Chickpea Salad recipe, because none of them contain any mayo at all!
What You Need to Make This Delicious Plant-Based Recipe
- Chickpeas: Of course, chickpeas are the star of this recipe! I love chickpeas because they are cheap, easy to find, extremely versatile, and delicious. They’re one of my favorite plant-based protein sources!
- Greek Yogurt: Instead of using mayo in this recipe, we’re using greek yogurt. It adds protein while giving this recipe the creaminess that it needs! If you’re vegan, you could likely substitute with cashew yogurt or another dairy-free yogurt of your choice.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps to tie this recipe together.
- Carrot: I love adding shredded carrots to this recipe, because it’s the perfect way to get in some extra veggies. Carrots are also rich in Vitamin A, and are (allegedly) great for your eyesight!
- Apple: Apples add a delicious sweetness and a crunchy texture to this recipe. Don’t skip them!
- Curry Powder: To get that signature curry flavor that ties this recipe together, we need to use curry powder. You can find curry powder that ranges from mild to spicy, depending on your personal preference!
- Walnuts or Cashews: Nuts are full of healthy fats, as well as even more plant-based protein. I personally love the taste of walnuts in this recipe, but cashews are equally as delicious!
- Raisins or Dates: Raisins add a sweetness that blends beautifully with the taste of the curry powder. If you don’t like raisins, you can also substitute chopped dates instead!
- Olive Oil: I love using olive oil in my recipes, because it’s not only delicious, but also heart-healthy. You can also use avocado oil here, though, if you prefer!
- Sea Salt and Pepper: Of course, a little salt and pepper to season this salad is always necessary!
How to Make This Creamy, Mayo-Free Chickpea Salad
To make this recipe, start by chopping your apples, walnuts, and dates (if using) and shredding your carrots. Place them to the side.
Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then add them to a medium bowl with your greek yogurt and lemon juice. Mix well and then mash with a fork, being sure to leave some of the chickpeas whole, for texture.
Next, add in your chopped apples, carrots, walnuts (or cashews), raisins / dates, curry powder, and olive oil, and toss well to combine.
Season with your sea salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy! You can serve this chickpea salad on toast, with crackers, on lettuce cups, or eat it with a spoon! I won’t judge. 😉
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
** Photography by Gayle McLeod
Ingredients
- 1 Can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ Cup Greek Yogurt, or substitute plain dairy-free yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Medium Carrot, grated
- 1 Red Apple, chopped
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Curry Powder
- ¼ Cup Walnuts or Cashews , chopped
- ½ Cup Raisins or Dates, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing your produce by chopping your apples, walnuts, and dates (if using) and shredding your carrots. Place them to the side.
- Next, drain and rinse your chickpeas and add them to a medium sized bowl with your greek yogurt and lemon juice.
- Mix well and then mash with a fork, being sure to leave some of the chickpeas whole, for texture.
- Next, add in your chopped apples, carrots, walnuts (or cashews), raisins / dates, curry powder, and olive oil, and toss well to combine.
- Season with your sea salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
- Serve with crackers, on toast, on lettuce cups, or eat it with a fork.
Recipe In Action
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What others are saying
Another EXCELLENT recipe! Texture was great with the apples giving a healthy crunch. It was so simple to throw together and I literally can not count how many times my husband said he loves it!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that you loved this recipe, Lorelei! Thank you so much for leaving such a sweet review!
This is so good I couldn’t stop eating it! My only regret is with all the popups I missed the measurement portions so not sure if I made it correctly as I improvised as I tasted. I thought the amounts were supposed to be according to personal taste and preference. The combination of flavors is very yummy!