Fresh Mango Chickpea Fusion: A Zesty Summer Salad Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, making this mango chickpea salad a delightful culinary escape.

Tangy, sweet, and packed with nutrition, the salad bursts with Mediterranean-inspired zest.

Crisp chickpeas dance alongside juicy mango chunks, creating a symphony of textures.

Bright herbs and a zesty dressing elevate every forkful into a refreshing experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein and tropical sweetness.

The combination feels like a mini vacation for your taste buds.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that promises to be the star of your next meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Mango Chickpea Salad

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant foundation that absorbs flavors wonderfully, select long-grain variety for best texture.
• Salt: Subtle enhancer that brightens the entire dish's taste profile.

• Chickpeas, Tofu: Plant-powered protein stars that transform with roasting, choose firm tofu and well-drained chickpeas for maximum crispiness.
• Smoked Paprika, Ground Coriander, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spice blend that creates complex, layered seasoning and deep golden color.
• Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Magical coating ingredients ensuring tofu gets perfectly crisp and glossy.
• Avocado Oil: Light, clean oil that helps ingredients roast evenly without overpowering other flavors.

• Mango, Avocado: Sweet-creamy tropical duo that provides luxurious moisture and vibrant color.
• Red Onion, Jalapeno, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables adding zesty crunch and refreshing brightness.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous green that brings fresh, citrusy notes to the entire dish.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Tangy citrus element that awakens all other ingredients.
• Sweet Chili Sauce, Maple Syrup: Harmonizing dressing that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy elements.
• Salt: Final seasoning touch to elevate all flavors.

Tools to Prep Mango Chickpea Salad with Ease

• Rice Cooker or Pot: Essential for cooking fluffy rice with perfect seasoning.
• Baking Tray: Perfect for roasting chickpeas and tofu until crispy and golden.
• Box Grater: Large holes work best for shredding tofu into perfect texture.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining fresh salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together zesty dressing ingredients.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps dry chickpeas before roasting for maximum crispiness.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for chickpeas and salad.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise cutting of mango, avocado, and other salad ingredients.

Steps to Toss Together Mango Chickpea Salad

Tropical Grain Bowl

• Fluffy Rice Base

Start by cooking rice with a hint of salt, creating a soft and fragrant foundation for your meal.

• Crispy Chickpea Magic

Transform ordinary chickpeas into crunchy delights by roasting them with aromatic spices until they’re golden and irresistible.

• Protein Transformation

Convert tofu into a delectable crumble with a savory blend of sauces, baking until it reaches a perfect golden texture.

• Vibrant Fruit Symphony

Chop fresh mango, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables into a colorful medley that bursts with tropical flavors.

• Zesty Dressing

Whisk together tangy citrus and sweet sauce to create a light, refreshing coating that ties all ingredients together.

• Beautiful Assembly

Layer the seasoned rice as a base, pile on the fruity salad, and crown with the crunchy chickpeas for a stunning presentation that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Mango Chickpea Salad Tips for Extra Zing

• Adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or adding extra for more kick.
• Swap tofu with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tempeh for different protein options.
• Prepare crispy chickpeas and tofu in advance and store in airtight containers to save time during meal prep.
• Replace rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for varied textures and nutritional profiles.
• Experiment with different fruits like pineapple, peach, or papaya when mangoes are out of season to keep the salad exciting and fresh.

Fresh Serving Ideas for Mango Chickpea Salad

• Tropical Paradise Bowl: A vibrant feast that transforms your meal into a colorful Caribbean-inspired masterpiece, with layers of textures and bright flavors dancing together.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Create a stunning shared plate by arranging rice, salad, and crispy chickpeas in separate sections, allowing guests to mix and match their perfect bite with fresh herb sprinkles.
• Protein Power Lunch: Pack this salad in a mason jar with layers of rice at bottom, tofu in middle, and mango salad on top for a nutritious work or school meal that stays fresh and delicious.
• Fresh Fusion Wrap: Wrap the entire mixture in a large butter lettuce leaf or soft tortilla for a portable, handheld version that captures all the recipe's zesty and creamy elements.

How to Store Leftover Mango Chickpea Salad

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep your mango chickpea salad in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Separate wet and dry ingredients to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store crispy chickpeas and tofu separately from the salad mixture. Place components in different sealed containers to preserve their unique textures and flavors.
• Meal Prep Convenience: Prepare rice, chickpeas, and tofu in advance during weekly cooking sessions. Chop fresh vegetables just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and vibrant taste.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm rice and tofu in a skillet with a splash of oil for best results. Refresh crispy chickpeas in a hot oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crunchy texture before reassembling the salad.

Vibrant Mango Chickpea Salad

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired mango chickpea salad blends sweet and tangy flavors with fresh herbs and zesty dressing. Crisp vegetables and protein-packed legumes create a light, refreshing dish perfect for summer meals you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 ataulfo mangos, cubed
• 1 medium avocado, cubed
• ½ block super firm tofu
• 1 cup short grain white rice (rinsed well)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 lime (juice and zest)
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp hoisin sauce
• ½ tbsp avocado oil
• ¼ medium red onion, finely diced
• ½ English cucumber, seeds removed and finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1–2 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• Kosher salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook rice in a cooker or pot, infusing water with a hint of salt for depth of flavor.
2. Chickpea Transformation: Pat chickpeas dry and spread on a baking tray. Generously coat with oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even crispiness.
3. Tofu Technique: Grate tofu using wide holes, then toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and avocado oil. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. Stir and continue baking for 5 more minutes until achieving a golden, crispy texture.
4. Rice and Tofu Fusion: Blend tofu into cooked rice, carefully integrating and adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
5. Salad Symphony: Combine diced mango, creamy avocado, sharp red onion, spicy jalapeno, crisp cucumber, and fragrant cilantro. Season with salt to enhance natural flavors.
6. Dressing Creation: Whisk lime juice, lime zest, sweet chili sauce, and maple syrup into a vibrant, tangy dressing. Gently drizzle over the salad and fold to harmonize flavors.
7. Plating Finale: Layer rice as a foundation, top with mango avocado mixture, and crown with roasted chickpeas. Optional: Embellish with fresh herbs for an aromatic flourish.

Notes

• Optimize Chickpea Crispiness: Pat chickpeas completely dry before roasting to guarantee maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Precise Tofu Preparation: Grate tofu using widest grater holes and press out excess moisture for optimal crispy shreds that absorb seasonings perfectly.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Layer ingredients strategically – rice base, protein, fresh vegetables, and crispy toppings – to create complex taste dimensions in each bite.
• Dress Strategically: Add dressing just before serving to maintain salad’s texture and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy, ensuring vibrant freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg