If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish that bursts with flavor, this Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing is just what you need. This slaw is not only visually appealing with its array of colors but also packs a nutritional punch. The crisp cucumber and carrot bring a delightful crunch, while chickpeas add a satisfying heartiness. The star of this dish, however, is the sesame dressing—crafted with a harmonious blend of sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic ginger. This combination offers a zesty twist that ties all the ingredients together, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a picnic potluck, this slaw will surely impress with its fresh taste and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing
This slaw is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that offers:
- A refreshing crunch from cucumbers and carrots.
- Protein-rich chickpeas that make it filling and nutritious.
- A quick and simple assembly process, perfect for busy days.
- A versatile dish that complements a variety of main courses.
- Bold, zesty flavors from the sesame-ginger dressing.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making this delicious Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the slaw and a small bowl for the dressing. A sharp knife is vital for efficiently slicing the red onion and chopping the cilantro. A vegetable peeler may come in handy when shredding the cucumber and carrots if you aren’t using a grater. Additionally, have a whisk ready to smoothly blend the dressing ingredients until they are well emulsified. Once you have everything on hand, make sure your kitchen area is clean and organized. This preparation will streamline the process and ensure you can enjoy creating this flavorful slaw without any hiccups.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base of the Slaw
Begin by shredding the cucumber and carrots. Once shredded, combine them in a large mixing bowl. These vegetables serve as the fresh and crunchy base of your slaw.
Step 2: Assemble the Slaw
Add the drained chickpeas, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to mix them well. These additions not only provide flavor but also enhance the texture and protein content of the dish.
Step 3: Whisk the Sesame Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth. The dressing should be well-combined to ensure each bite of the slaw is uniformly flavored.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the sesame dressing over the prepared slaw. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavor. Allow the slaw to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. Tofu could also be a great vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers or snap peas for added color and texture. These veggies work beautifully with the existing ingredients.
- Spices: Spice up the dressing with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- For optimal freshness, prepare the slaw close to serving time. The vibrant colors and textures are best enjoyed fresh.
- If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and mix it right before serving to retain the crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this slaw with grilled fish or chicken to create a light and balanced meal.
- Use it as a topping in tacos for a refreshing twist.
Tips
- To ensure an even better taste, let the chickpeas marinate for a few hours in the dressing before assembling the slaw.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some roasted nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, along with the sesame seeds.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
- Protein: Around 6 grams
- Sodium: Roughly 230 mg
FAQs
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately ahead of time. Mix them right before serving to keep the slaw fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, although it will alter the flavor slightly. Sesame oil is recommended for its unique nutty flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will deepen, but the texture might soften slightly over time.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing is a versatile and refreshing dish that is bound to become a staple at your table. Its easy preparation, combined with a delectable mix of flavors and textures, makes it ideal for any occasion. We encourage you to try it out and share your experience with us! Feel free to get creative with the variations, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family who love a healthy, tasty salad option. Bon appétit!
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Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish that bursts with flavor, this Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing is just what you need.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by shredding the cucumber and carrots. Once shredded, combine them in a large mixing bowl. These vegetables serve as the fresh and crunchy base of your slaw.
- Add the drained chickpeas, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to mix them well. These additions not only provide flavor but also enhance the texture and protein content of the dish.
- In a separate small bowl, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth. The dressing should be well-combined to ensure each bite of the slaw is uniformly flavored.
- Pour the sesame dressing over the prepared slaw. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavor. Allow the slaw to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Notes
For optimal freshness, prepare the slaw close to serving time. Keep the dressing separate and mix it right before serving to retain the crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Protein: 6 g