Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Salad Recipe
Spicy Buffalo chickpeas salad is a flavorful salad that combines the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas. It’s not just for vegetarians; it’s a versatile salad that everyone will love.
Note: This recipe is written for 4; it can be stored for a few days and used for a ready to go lunch.
We have a Buffalo sauce obsession! It’s tangy and spicy and goes well with many different foods, like this salad. The fiery kick of Buffalo sauce combined with earthy chickpeas in this salad makes a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option that’s also healthy.
Why you will love this salad
- Flavor – The combination of spicy buffalo sauce with mayonnaise creates a zesty, tangy dressing that perfectly coats the chickpeas and celery.
- Protein-packed and filling – Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber which makes this salad both satisfying and filling.
- Quick – With just a few simple ingredients, this buffalo chickpea salad comes together quickly, and it’s easy to customize.
Here is what you will need to make spicy chickpea salad
This is a summary of the ingredients you will need to prepare this delicious salad recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instancart affiliate link. Scroll down to the recipe card section for a printable recipe card containing exact measurements and detailed instructions.
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Ingredients
- Chickpeas (canned or cooked)
- Celery
- Mayonnaise
- Hot Sauce Such as Frank’s
- Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)
How to make this buffalo chickpea salad recipe
Prepare the ingredients: If you use canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them off and set aside. Dice the celery, and squeeze 1 teaspoon of lemon juice from a lemon.
STEP 1: Add the diced celery and chickpeas to a medium bowl.
STEP 2: Add the hot sauce and stir to combine all of the ingredients. This will allow the hot sauce to soak into the chickpeas.
STEP 3: Stir in the lemon juice and mayonnaise and serve or refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans are teh star of this salad. They add a hearty texture and punch of protein. Cannellini beans will also work in this recipe if you are looking for a substitute.
Celery – This adds a nice crunch to the salad, but can be omitted or swapped with another crunchy veggie such as carrots, red onion or bell pepper.
Buffalo Sauce – My preference for hot sauce is Frank’s Red Hot, but you can use your favorite hot sauce. Look for a hot sauce that balances heat and tanginess. Mix the hot sauce with some olive oil to tone down the heat if you prefer a milder option.
Mayonnaise – If you don’t like mayonnaise, try substituting it with an equal amount of tahini sauce or Plain Greek yogurt.
Meal prep instructions
This is a great recipe for making early in the week to use during the week. To retain a fresher flavor, if you don’t plan on using this salad within a day, it’s best to mix the chickpeas and celery together and store in the refrigerator without adding the mayonnaise, which can be added later.
When ready to enjoy buffalo chickpea salad, coat the chickpeas in sauce and mix in the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
Serving suggestions
This salad is so versatile, serve it in wraps, lettuce wraps, sandwiches,or a side dish, salads – you name it. The tangy, spicy flavors blend perfectly with fresh veggies too. Pile it on toasted bread, a roll or stuff it in a pita for a buffalo chickpea salad sandwich. Add cheese, greens, such as green leaf lettuce, spinach or kale and whatever toppings you like.
Recipe variations
Elevating your buffalo chickpea salad with different ingredients can bring extra flavor to your salad. Here are a few suggestions.
Avocado – Adding creamy avocado slices to your buffalo chickpea salad will enhance its texture and boost its nutritional value.
Quinoa – Incorporating up to a half cup of cooked quinoa will give it a twist that also elevates the protein in this salad.
Seeds— A quarter cup of sesame or sunflower seeds will add a little extra crunch to your salad.
Cheese – Toss in a few tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles for creaminess and tang.
How to Store Leftovers
Once you’ve whipped up a buffalo chickpea salad, you’ll want to know how to store leftovers to properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Follow these handy storage tips to ensure your salad stays delicious for as long as possible.
Buffalo chickpea salad can typically last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. However, for optimal freshness and taste, it is best enjoyed within the first 2 days of preparation.
Tips
- If you are using canned chickpeas, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the salad. This helps to remove the excess salt and will also prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Adjust the spice level by adding olive oil to the hot sauce to taste.
Recipe FAQs
As written, this recipe is not vegan but can easily be made vegan by replacing the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or tahini sauce.
Freezing this salad is not recommended.
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Buffalo Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpeas 13 ounces
- 1/2 cup Celery Chopped
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce such as Frank's
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, dice the celery and squeeze 1 teaspoon of lemon juice from lemon. Measure the mayonnaise and hot sauce.
- Add 1 can Chickpeas (drained & rinsed), 1/2 cup Celery to a bowl along with 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce such as Frank's and stir to combine.
- Add 1/4 cup Mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice – stir once more to combine all of the ingredients.
