Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

Ever bitten into a salad that made you say, "Wow, where have you been all my life?"

Meet your new favorite side dish: the Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing. It’s got the perfect crispy crunch paired with a pleasant umami kick from the dressing. This gem is not just a recipe; it’s a quick and healthy way to elevate any meal. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up, leaving you more time to relax or plan your next ninja avocado toast adventure. 🥑

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you add this slaw to your culinary rotation? Here’s the scoop:

• Super Easy Cleanup: You only need a couple of bowls to work with. No elaborate cooking dishes that turn your kitchen into a disaster zone.
• Affordable: It uses simple ingredients you already have or can easily grab at the store. Your wallet will thank you later!
• Family-Friendly: This slaw is not just for the health-conscious adults; kids love the colorful crunch, too. Who knew veggies could be so cool?

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 red cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, chickpeas, carrots, red cabbage, and cilantro.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

How to Make Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing (Overview)

Ready to recreate this delightful slaw? Here’s how it rolls:

• Start by mixing all the fresh veggies in a massive bowl. Nothing like a colorful rainbow to brighten up your day!
• Then, whisk your dressing ingredients together until they blend beautifully, like best friends reuniting after years apart.
• Drizzle the dressing over your slaw and toss it like you mean it! That’s where all the flavors party together. 🎉
• Last but not least, a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch.

Quick Tip: Want to save time? You can prep the veggies ahead of time and just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

Picture this: a bowl of colorful slaw sitting next to grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even some crispy spring rolls. The bright greens and purples pop against whatever else you’ve got on your plate.

You get that appealing aroma of sesame, and the crunch from the fresh veggies just beckons you. Great for potlucks, picnics, or just as a go-to side dish for dinner, it’s versatile enough for any occasion.

How to Store Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

Want to make it ahead of time? Stash it in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving and enjoy the freshness!

Make-ahead tip: If keeping it for later, store the dressing separate to ensure the slaw remains crunchy and doesn’t turn into a soggy mess. No one wants to eat soggy slaw, am I right?

Tips to Make Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

1. Chill the Ingredients: Use cold cucumbers and chickpeas for an extra refreshing bite!
2. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add other veggies, like bell peppers or radishes, to mix things up.
3. Add Protein: Want to turn it into a meal? Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Variation

Want to switch it up? Go for a spicy kick by throwing in some chili flakes or adding diced jalapeños. You could even swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan twist. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! Black beans or kidney beans can work beautifully in this slaw.

How can I make this slaw gluten-free?
Just substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Easy peasy!

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the dressing and the slaw separate until you’re ready to serve.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing

A quick and healthy slaw featuring crispy cucumbers, chickpeas, and a flavorful sesame dressing, perfect as a side dish for any meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Healthy

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 whole cucumber, thinly sliced Use cold for an extra refreshing bite
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained Can substitute with other types of beans
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds Sprinkle before serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, chickpeas, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate to ensure the slaw remains crunchy.