Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing is a fresh and crunchy salad that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Bursting with crisp cucumber, protein-rich chickpeas, and a nutty sesame dressing, this slaw is perfect for quick meals or healthy sides. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for meal prep. Pair it with my Garlic Herb Mini Baguettes for a delightful combo.
Why You'll Love Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish
Try this easy Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing recipe. Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
- Fresh, crunchy texture with protein-packed chickpeas
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Budget-friendly with pantry staples like canned chickpeas and sesame oil
- Perfect for meal prep and keeps well as leftovers
Ingredients for Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish
Cucumbers: English cucumbers work best for less bitterness and thinner skins. Replace with Persian cucumbers if preferred.Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas for convenience or cook dried chickpeas ahead of time for better texture.
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers work best for less bitterness and thinner skins. Replace with Persian cucumbers if preferred.
- Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas for convenience or cook dried chickpeas ahead of time for better texture.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice cucumbers, shred carrots, and slice red onion. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add Chickpeas and Herbs: Drain and rinse chickpeas well. Add them and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the veggies.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the Sesame Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
Expert Tips for Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish
- For extra crunch, salt the sliced cucumbers lightly and let them sit 10 minutes, then drain excess water.
- Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor and mild heat.
- Mix in crushed nuts just before serving to keep texture crisp.
Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish
Try this easy Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing recipe. Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
How to Make Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice cucumbers, shred carrots, and slice red onion. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Chickpeas and Herbs: Drain and rinse chickpeas well. Add them and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the veggies.
- Make the Sesame Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the slaw ingredients and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional toppings like green onions or crushed nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
You can use toasted walnut oil or peanut oil to keep a nutty flavor, or regular olive oil if unavailable.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cucumbers may release water, so toss before serving.
Slicing cucumbers too early without salting or draining can cause sogginess. Salt cucumbers and drain excess water before mixing to keep slaw crisp.
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Before You Go
If you try this Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw with Sesame Dressing - Easy & Fresh Side Dish, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.