Garbanzo Bean Salad

Garbanzo bean is a popularly consumed bean type and is known by different names such as, chickpeas, ceci beans, Bengal beans and Indian beans. As per garbanzo beans nutrition facts, it is a rich source of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, iron and other minerals. In fact, much of the protein requirement for body comes from pulses and beans. If you are bored of the regular bean recipe, try making garbanzo bean salad for serving a healthy meal.

Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipes

The rich chickpeas nutrition, fabulous taste and preparation versatility altogether make this type of bean a preferred choice amongst people. The methods of cooking chickpeas are many. They can be boiled and served cold as salads, cooked and mashed to make hummus, prepared into stews and so on. One of the best ways to consume this legume is prepare salad, which you can complete in absolutely no time. The following are methods on how to make garbanzo bean salad.

Basic Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients

• ¾ cup dried garbanzo bean
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions for Preparation
In order to make garbanzo bean salad from scratch, use dried beans (instead of canned beans). Measure bean amount and rinse well under running water. Soak beans overnight with sufficient water. Next day, remove garbanzo beans that float in soaking water. Transfer both beans and water in a saucepan, add 1 teaspoon salt, and heat over medium heat. As it starts boiling, reduce heat and cook for another 40 minutes, or until beans turn tender. Remove from heat and strain (reserve some liquid).

Add cooked garbanzo bean in a large bowl and allow it to cool down. Stir in chopped onion and celery. Keep this aside. Take another mixing bowl and mix the remaining salad ingredients - tomato, garlic, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, reserved cooking water, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Mix properly and pour over the garbanzo bean and onion mixture. Use a large spatula to mix salad. This garbanzo bean salad is best enjoyed after chilling for two hours in the refrigerator.

Garbanzo Bean and Tomato Salad Recipe
Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) cans of garbanzo beans, drained and washed
• 4 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 cups chopped sweet onion
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A dash of freshly ground pepper
• Chopped parsley for garnishing

Directions for Preparation
The rich taste of fresh tomatoes blends well with garbanzo beans, making it an all time favorite summer salad recipe. In a saucepan, add rinsed chickpea, tomato, egg and green onion. Toss lightly and keep side. If time permits, chill this mixture in the refrigerator for serving cold. Working on the salad dressing part, take a small mixing bowl and add the ingredients - olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir well to get an evenly mixed concoction. Then, pour this over the salad base. Toss and sprinkle chop parsley. This garbanzo bean salad tastes best when served immediately.

Chicken and Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients

• 9 ounces frozen cooked chicken breast
• 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo bean
• ½ cup plain fat-free yogurt
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups prepackaged baby spinach leaves
• ⅓ cup feta cheese
• 4 lemon wedges

Directions for Preparation
This garbanzo bean salad is perfect for people who crave for chicken recipes. Loaded with green vegetables, it is a healthier version of regular chicken salad recipes. To start with, thaw the packaged chicken first and chop it into bite sized pieces. Take a large mixing bowl and add the ingredients - chicken pieces, garbanzo bean, yogurt, green onion, cucumber, mint, garlic and salt. Toss well for even mixing. Fold in cheese and spinach leaves. Serve garbanzo bean salad in individual platters with lemon wedges.

Nutritious and filling, this chickpea salad is consumed as meal replacement during summer time. Including this salad in dinner menu will definitely spice up your regular meal. Provided that you soak the beans and boil them, or use canned chickpea, making garbanzo bean salad is just a few steps away. You just need to mix the salad ingredients with seasoning spices, and garnish with fresh culinary herbs.