Crisp and cool salad recipes are a summertime staple for outdoor picnics and family gatherings, but they can become boring and lack the presentation and nutrients needed that can really take them up a notch! So, here’s the lowdown on the benefits of eating one of my favorite legumes, Chickpeas; along with links to three creative and nutrient packed summer chickpea salad recipes.
Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) contain manganese and folate which are just two nutrients found in chickpeas that are known to help repair skin damage (too much sun?) and contribute to smooth and healthy skin. Low in fat and cholesterol, high in iron and potassium, these legumes pack an extra dose of healthy eating when we combine them with other salad ingredients. Adding chickpeas to your salads can also help fill you up faster since they contain high amounts of protein and fiber.
Cucumber, Tomato and Chickpea Salad.
This simple chickpea salad recipe from Noble Pig is quick to make yet delicious! The perfect summer side salad that would pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Get the recipe here at noblepig.com
Cilantro Lime Chickpea Salad
This recipe from Sharing Thyme is the perfect side dish for a Mexican infused meal. Cilantro and kidney beans are some of my favorite ingredients, and cilantro has also been shown to be a natural detox for the body.
Corn and Chickpea Salad
With corn being a wonderful summer staple, this is the perfect on-the-go meal. You can jar it for a packed lunch as it is shown on Country Living, and the recipe can be found here!
Now that your inspiration is sparked for chickpea recipes, you will be busy making these renditions of chickpea salad during the upcoming months! What are some of your other favorite chickpea recipes? Please share in the comments and we can highlight them in a future post!
(Main photo source: photobucket)
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