The Perfect Mango Chickpea Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Mango chickpea salad bursts with vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors that dance across your palate.

Summer’s most refreshing dish combines sweet tropical notes with hearty protein-packed ingredients.

Each colorful bite promises a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this salad represents a perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence.

Mediterranean and tropical influences merge seamlessly in this delectable creation.

Crisp vegetables and juicy fruit chunks elevate the entire culinary experience.

Fresh herbs and zesty dressing elevate ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Tips for Crisp, Fresh, and Flavorful Results

• Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly: Pat chickpeas completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of crisping.
• Use Ripe Mangoes: Select mangoes that are slightly soft when gently squeezed for the most flavorful and sweet salad component.
• Press Tofu Completely: Remove excess moisture from tofu by pressing it between paper towels before grating to achieve a crispier texture when baked.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Roast chickpeas and tofu in advance and store separately to reduce day-of cooking time and make assembly quicker.

How to Store and Reuse Leftover Mango Chickpea Salad

• Refrigeration: Store salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness. Keep chickpeas, rice, tofu, and mango salad in different sealed containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Rice and Tofu: Warm rice and tofu in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.

What to Eat with Mango Chickpea Salad

• Elevate Tropical Fusion Drink: Pair with a fresh coconut water mojito that complements the salad's mango and lime zest, adding a refreshing tropical twist.
• Harmonize Spicy-Sweet Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the jalapeno's heat and enhance the salad's complex flavor profile.
• Boost Protein Companion: Serve alongside grilled shrimp or light white fish to add extra protein and create a more substantial meal without overwhelming the delicate salad ingredients.
• Accent Cool Side Dish: Complement the salad with a chilled cucumber and mint raita that provides a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the crispy chickpeas and spicy elements.

Mango Chickpea Salad Flavor Tweaks to Try

• Tropical Fusion Remix: Swap mango with pineapple and add grilled shrimp for a Caribbean-inspired protein boost.
• Mediterranean Journey: Replace chickpeas with roasted za'atar-spiced white beans and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style experience.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Substitute mango with roasted corn, add black beans, and incorporate chipotle sauce for a zesty Tex-Mex version.
• Asian Inspired Transformation: Use edamame instead of chickpeas, add pickled ginger, and drizzle with sesame-soy dressing for an east-meets-west flavor profile.

Why Mango Chickpea Salad Is So Refreshing

• Crisp and Zesty Flavor Explosion: This mango chickpea salad bursts with vibrant tastes that dance across your palate, blending sweet mangoes, tangy lime, and spicy jalapenos for an unforgettable culinary experience.
• Textural Wonderland: Crunchy roasted chickpeas contrast beautifully with creamy avocado and soft rice, creating a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal Prep: Within an hour, you'll craft a protein-packed, plant-based dish that's both delicious and wholesome, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Mango Chickpea Salad Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice as the hearty foundation of the salad, choose long-grain for best texture.

• Chickpeas, Tofu: Protein-packed ingredients that provide substantial and crispy texture when roasted with spices.

• Mango, Avocado, Cucumber, Red Onion, Jalapeno, Cilantro: Fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring color, crunch, and bright flavors to the salad.

Seasoning Blend:

• Smoked Paprika, Ground Coriander, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the depth of flavor for chickpeas.
• Cornstarch: Helps create crispy texture for tofu.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall taste.

Sauce and Oil Components:

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds umami, sweetness, and complexity to the dish.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the salad.
• Maple Syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tang.

• Avocado Oil: Provides smooth, neutral cooking oil for roasting and dressing.

Easy Instructions for Mango Chickpea Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fragrant Rice

Cook rice in a rice cooker or pot following package directions. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Set aside once completed.

Step 2: Create Crispy Spiced Chickpeas

• Smoked paprika
• Ground coriander
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt

Toss ingredients to coat evenly. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring midway, until chickpeas turn golden and crisp.

Step 3: Craft Savory Tofu Crumbles

• Cornstarch
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Avocado oil

Spread in a single layer. Bake for 12 minutes, toss, then bake additional 5 minutes until tofu becomes golden brown.

Step 4: Combine Tofu and Rice

Mix tofu into cooked rice, stirring gently. Adjust salt to personal taste preference.

Step 5: Prepare Vibrant Tropical Salad

• Mango chunks
• Avocado slices
• Red onion
• Jalapeno
• Cucumber
• Cilantro
• Salt

• Lime juice
• Lime zest
• Sweet chili sauce
• Maple syrup

Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to blend flavors.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon rice into serving bowls. Top with mango avocado salad and crispy chickpeas. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your colorful, nutritious meal!

Mango Chickpea Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fresh mango chickpea salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with zesty lime and herb-kissed ingredients. Crisp chickpeas and juicy mango cubes dance together, inviting you to savor each vibrant, refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Components:

• ½ block super firm tofu
• 1 cup short grain white rice (rinsed well)
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon hoisin sauce
• ½ tablespoon avocado oil

Crispy Spiced Chickpeas:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Fresh Salad Ingredients:

• 2 ataulfo mangos, cubed
• 1 medium avocado, cubed
• 1 lime (juice and zest)
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• ¼ medium red onion, finely diced
• ½ English cucumber, seeds removed and finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional)
• Kosher salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice in a rice cooker or pot, seasoning water with a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
2. Meticulously dry chickpeas using a kitchen towel, then distribute evenly on a baking tray. 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, stirring midway to ensure uniform crispiness.
3. Transform tofu into delicate shreds using the widest grater holes. Toss the shredded tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and avocado oil on a baking tray. Create an even layer and bake for 12 minutes, stir, then continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until achieving a golden hue.
4. Incorporate the tofu into the cooked rice, gently mixing and adjusting seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble the vibrant salad by combining diced mango, creamy avocado, sharp red onion, spicy jalapeno, crisp cucumber, and fragrant cilantro. Season with salt.
6. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together lime juice, lime zest, sweet chili sauce, and maple syrup. Drizzle over the salad and delicately fold to integrate flavors.
7. Plate the dish by layering rice as a base, topping with the mango avocado mixture, and crowning with crispy roasted chickpeas. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Prep Smartly: Toast chickpeas and crisp tofu ahead of time to boost flavor and texture for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Customize Heat: Adjust jalapeno quantity to match your spice tolerance, making this salad perfect for personal preferences.
• Texture Magic: Crispy chickpeas and golden tofu transform this salad from ordinary to extraordinary with irresistible crunch.
• Quick Tip: Use a rice cooker or instant pot to simplify rice preparation and save valuable cooking time.
• Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs like cilantro elevate the dish, adding brightness and a vibrant, aromatic finish to every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg