Description
A refreshing tahini salad inspired by Israeli flavors, packed with crunchy veggies and zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 limes, juiced (about 1/2 cup or 120ml)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup tahini (60ml), well-stirred
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml), high-quality
- 1 14-oz can chickpeas (400g), drained
- 2 medium cucumbers, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Whisk the Dressing: Start by whisking together tahini, lime juice, water, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. The dressing will start off thick, but as you combine it, it should become creamy and well-blended. If it is not coming together, you might need more liquid. Just be careful not to add too much at once.
- Toss the Salad Ingredients: Grab a large bowl and toss together your chickpeas, chopped veggies, and herbs. The colors should be vibrant and inviting, making your kitchen smell fresh and aromatic. Mixing everything here ensures that the flavors will mingle nicely, just do not overdo it; gentle tossing is all you need.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the tahini dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. You will know it is ready when the ingredients look glistening and flavorful. If it seems too thick, just add a bit more water. Avoid letting it sit too long before serving, or the salad may wilt.
- Enjoy Right Away: Dig in as soon as you are done mixing! The crunchy veggies and creamy dressing should feel refreshing. Waiting too long can lead to sogginess and spoil the crispness you are after, so share with friends or go for it on your own!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness; to maintain the texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Expert Tips: If the dressing seems too thick, a splash of water or extra lime juice can make it more pourable and luscious. When using dried chickpeas, soak them for at least 8 hours and boil them until just tender to prevent them from becoming mushy. For salads that might wilt quickly, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunch. If you are making this salad ahead of time, prepare the vegetables without dressing, and combine them right before serving for the best results. For added flavor, enjoy the salad with cottage cheese stuffed tomatoes, creating a satisfying meal without gluten or added sugars.
- Reheating Instructions: No reheating is necessary as this salad is served cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Add a handful of nuts for extra texture and protein. Pair with pita chips for a crunchy side.
- Recipe Variations: Add diced avocado for creaminess. Incorporate cherry tomatoes for added sweetness. Swap cilantro with parsley for a different herb profile.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose firm, unwrinkled cucumbers for the best crunch. Look for fresh, vibrant green cilantro leaves without wilting; if you are not a cilantro fan, parsley works as a substitute. For tahini, pick a smooth and well-stirred option; some can separate in the jar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Sodium: 853mg
- Fat: 21.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30.5g
- Fiber: 6.9g
- Protein: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg