Craving a delicious Easy Creamy Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad? This salad combines the heartiness of chickpeas with the crunch of cucumbers, celery, and red onions, all topped with the zesty kick of dill pickles and fresh dill leaves. The dressing adds a creamy and tangy twist to the mix.
Whether you’re looking for a light and satisfying meal or a flavorful side dish, this Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad is sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving more. If you are looking for another popular recipe from tiktok – make this one! Get ready to enjoy a burst of unique flavors in every bite of this creamy salad!
If you’re looking for more plant-based chickpea recipes, feel free to explore my full collection of vegan chickpea recipes here.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Creamy Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad
This creamy dill pickle chickpea salad is a delicious and refreshing dish, perfect for a light lunch or side. The first time I tried this recipe, I wished I had made a double batch! The combination of crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the main ingredients and some great substitutions to customize this dish to your liking.
Main Ingredients:
- Chickpeas: Two 19oz cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and provide a hearty base for the salad.
- Cucumber: One English cucumber, finely chopped. The crunch of cucumber adds a refreshing element to the salad.
- Celery: Two ribs of celery, finely chopped. Celery adds extra crunch and a subtle flavor.
- Red Onion: Half a red onion, thinly sliced. Red onion provides a sharp, tangy taste. Use quick pickled red onions for a unique twist.
- Dill Pickles: One cup of dill pickles, chopped. The pickles give the salad its distinctive tangy and salty flavor.
- Fresh Dill: A quarter cup of fresh dill, finely chopped. Fresh dill enhances the overall flavor profile with its unique herby taste.
Dressing:
- Vegan Mayo or Tahini: Two tablespoons of vegan mayo (or tahini for a nuttier taste). This creates a creamy base for the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: One tablespoon of red wine vinegar adds acidity and depth to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: One tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a bit of heat and complexity.
- Dill Pickle Juice: Two tablespoons of dill pickle juice, which intensifies the pickle flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon for a hint of garlic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Substitutions and Additions:
- Vegan Mayo Alternatives: Substitute vegan mayo with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and additional protein, or use tahini for a nutty flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Instead of red wine vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Vegetables: If you don’t have an English cucumber, you can use regular cucumbers or add other veggies like finely chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Herbs: Swap fresh dill with fresh mint for a different herby flavor or mix both for an added layer of taste.
- Feta Cheese: For a non-vegan twist, add crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle a little bit of olive oil into the dressing for added richness.
- Green Onions: Add green onions for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Fresh Mint: Incorporate finely chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
- Pasta Salad: Make this into a chickpea dill pickle pasta salad by cooking up 3 cups of your favourite dry pasta noodles. Run the cooked, al dente noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, celery, red onion, dill pickles, and fresh dill.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss until well coated.
- For a smoother texture, you can pulse the chickpeas in a food processor before mixing them with the vegetables.
- Serve the salad chilled, either on its own or over lettuce leaves for added crunch.
Tips for Best Results:
- Make the salad a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. The flavors meld wonderfully, making it taste even better the next day.
- If serving to guests, consider printing out our recipe card for a convenient and easy-to-follow guide.
This creamy dill pickle chickpea salad is perfect for a first-time chickpea salad maker or a seasoned pro looking to try something new. It’s not only a satisfying dish but also packed with nutrients that meet daily values, ensuring a healthy and tasty meal.
Whether you’re enjoying this dish as a light lunch or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite. The combination of dill pickle chickpeas, the crunch of cucumber, and the creamy dressing is irresistible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies and herbs next time you make it.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients in Creamy Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad
The ingredients in this creamy dill pickle chickpea salad are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Dill: This fragrant herb is rich in vitamins A and C, providing powerful antioxidants that support immune function and skin health. Dill also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Celery: Known for its high water content, celery is low in calories and an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. It’s also rich in vitamins K, A, and C, and contains beneficial antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Red Onion: Red onions are packed with antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium, supporting heart health and immune function.
Cucumber: Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them perfect for a refreshing salad. They provide vitamins K and C, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for bone health, blood pressure regulation, and overall hydration.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which can help maintain healthy digestion and keep you feeling full longer. They are also rich in essential nutrients like folate, iron, phosphorus, and manganese, contributing to energy production and bone health.
Incorporating these ingredients into your diet not only enhances the flavor of your meals but also provides numerous health benefits, making this creamy dill pickle chickpea salad a nutritious and delicious choice.
Helpful Tools
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for creating a smooth and well-mixed dressing. It helps blend the vegan mayo (or tahini), lemon juice, dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into a cohesive and flavorful dressing.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: A good cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping the cucumber, celery, red onion, dill pickles, and fresh dill. A sharp knife will make the chopping process easier and more precise.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is perfect for combining the chopped celery, red onion, dill pickles, fresh dill, and chickpeas. It provides enough space to toss the ingredients together with the dressing effectively.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for creating a balanced and flavorful dressing. Measuring spoons will ensure you add the right amounts of vegan mayo, lemon juice, dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Tongs or Salad Servers: Tossing the salad with the dressing requires gentle handling. Tongs or salad servers will make it easier to mix the ingredients without smashing the chickpeas or damaging the vegetables.
How to Make This Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad Recipe
To prepare the mouthwatering Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad, start by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo (or tahini), lemon juice, dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Next, prepare the vegetables for the salad. Finely chop the cucumber and celery, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the dill pickles into small pieces and finely chop the fresh dill leaves to infuse the salad with delightful herbaceous flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, sliced red onion, dill pickles, and fresh dill. Open and drain two cans of chickpeas, then rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess liquid. Add the chickpeas to the mixing bowl with the other chopped ingredients.
Now, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Pour the prepared dressing over the chickpeas and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the dressing coats each ingredient evenly.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
Your Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad is now ready to be served. Present it in a dish or plate, and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy dill pickles, fresh dill, and crunchy vegetables, all mixed with the hearty chickpeas. This salad can be a refreshing and flavorful side dish or a satisfying light meal on its own.
Tips & Tricks
- Let It Marinate: For an even more flavorful salad, allow it to marinate for a while before serving. After combining all the ingredients, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This will result in a tastier and more cohesive dish.
- Pick the Right Pickles: The type of dill pickles you choose can impact the overall taste of the salad. Use high-quality dill pickles that you enjoy eating on their own. Whether you prefer sweet or sour pickles, their taste will shine through in the salad.
- Add Some Texture: If you enjoy contrasting textures in your salads, consider adding a crunchy element. You can sprinkle some toasted nuts (like slivered almonds or chopped walnuts) or sunflower seeds on top of the salad just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Customize the Veggies: While the recipe calls for cucumber, celery, and red onion, feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. You can add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for added color and variety.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, consider garnishing the salad with some additional fresh dill or parsley. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the herbal flavor profile of the dish.
FAQ: Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight in water, then cook until they are tender before using them in the recipe.
Absolutely! The flavors of the Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad develop even more when it’s allowed to marinate in the dressing. You can make it a few hours or even a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Certainly! Feel free to customize the salad to suit your taste. You can add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or even chopped avocado to add more flavors and textures.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together.
Absolutely! This salad is a crowd-pleaser and works well for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings. It’s a unique and flavorful dish that will impress your friends and family.
Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 19oz cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo (or tahini)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon
- 2 tbsp dill pickle juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Add chopped celery, onions, fresh dill, dill pickles, cucumber and chickpeas into a bowl and combine with the dressing. Serve and enjoy!
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Conclusion: Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad
Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings a burst of unique flavors to your table. With its tangy pickles, fresh dill, and hearty chickpeas, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying option for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or as a flavorful side dish, its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables are sure to leave you craving more!
The balance of flavors in this recipe is perfect. I’ll be adding it to my regular rotation.
Thanks so much for the review Hannah!
I love this healthy and flavourful salad option! Thanks Essy
Thank you so much for the feedback Aria!
Delicious salad thank you, chickpeas make this one more filling and The taste and texture of this dish are spot on.
Thank you so much for the review Sophie so happy you loved the salad!
I love anything dill and absolutely love this dill salad. So delicious
Thanks so much Andrea!
So good I’m a huge fan of pickles and the Chickpeas make this filling beautiful blend of flavours
Thanks so much Shauna!
What a great crisp fresh dill pickle chickpea salad. Nice and filling.
Thank you for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the dill pickle chickpea salad and found it satisfying.
My teen loves this as much as I do. Dill-icious
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m glad both you and your teen enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback!
The recipe states red wine vinegar, but the instructions say lemon juice..which is correct?
Hi Amy I’m so sorry about the error! I have updated the recipe. Red wine vinegar is the correct ingredient. Thank you so much for letting me know about this, and I hope you love this dill pickle chickpea salad!
Loved this salad dill for the win!!
Thank you Wen! Yes dill for the win every single time!