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Delicious Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Salad with vibrant vegetables

Buffalo Chickpea Salad

A vibrant and hearty salad that substitutes chickpeas for chicken in a delicious twist on buffalo wings, featuring creamy yogurt and fresh veggies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed or 1 1/2 cups cooked) Star ingredient, offers a nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil Adds depth and smoothness.
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1 clove garlic (minced) Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1/3 cup diced carrots (divided, about 1 large carrot) Provides sweetness and crunch.
  • 1/3 cup diced celery (divided, about 1 large stalk; plus celery leaves for garnish) Adds crunch.
  • 3 Tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Original Brings buffalo flavor.
  • 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt Balances heat.
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1/2 tsp lemon juice (divided) Adds brightness.
  • 1/2 Tbsp tahini Adds nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) For additional creaminess.
  • Romaine or Bibb leaves for serving Provides a crunchy wrap.

Method
 

Cooking the Chickpeas
  1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Once heated, add the chickpeas and cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until they brown slightly.
  3. Stir the chickpeas, then add the minced garlic and kosher salt. Continue to cook for an additional minute.
Mixing the Salad
  1. Transfer the cooked chickpeas to a large bowl and add 1/4 cup of diced carrots and 1/4 cup of diced celery. Mix well.
  2. Fold in the Frank’s Red Hot sauce, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and tahini. Stir gently until combined.
Serving
  1. In a small bowl, combine the remaining diced celery and carrots with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside for topping.
  2. Spoon the chickpea salad onto a lettuce leaf, top with blue cheese (if desired), reserved carrot and celery mix, and celery leaves. Enjoy!

Notes

Consider roasting the chickpeas for added crunch. Adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking.