Creamy Chana Salad Recipe- Indian Special
Creamy Chana Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish made with protein-rich chickpeas (chana) tossed in a luscious yogurt-based dressing, combined with crunchy vegetables and aromatic spices. This salad strikes a perfect balance between tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it a wholesome option for a light lunch, side dish, or a healthy snack. It’s quick to prepare and packs in plenty of flavor and texture, offering a satisfying bite with every spoonful. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time25 min
For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped (seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain thick yogurt (curd)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt (or regular salt, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Sev or crushed papdi (for crunch)
- Extra coriander leaves
Prepare the Chickpeas:
If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender (about 30–40 minutes).
If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well.
Mix the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, carrots, coriander leaves, and green chili.
Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Toss:
Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, sev, or extra coriander if desired.
Serve immediately for a fresh crunch, or chill for 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor infusion.
Recipe Notes :
Vegan Option : Replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt and skip the mayonnaise or use a vegan alternative.
Spice Level : Adjust chili and chaat masala to suit your taste.
Make Ahead : The salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Add crunchy garnishes just before serving.
Serving Suggestion : Serve as a light meal, a tea-time snack, or as part of a festive meal or potluck spread.
