Chickpeas Paneer Salad is a delicious yet flavour-packed vegetarian salad that combines the best Indian cuisine. It stars protein-rich chickpeas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), making it a hearty and satisfying meal that’ll leave you feeling nourished and energized. With a tangy, spice-infused dressing and a medley of fresh veggies, this salad is pure bliss in a bowl.
About the Recipe
If you love Indian flavours and wholesome, nutritious meals, this chickpeas paneer salad is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes, with creamy paneer, hearty chickpeas, and a delightful crunch from diced veggies. The magic happens in the dressing – lemon juice adds a bright tang, while chaat masala lends its signature spicy-tangy notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this vibrant salad. It’s incredibly versatile, as a light main dish or a flavorful side. The combination of chickpeas and paneer makes it deliciously filling and protein-rich. Plus, it’s a breeze to put together with minimal cooking required. And let’s not forget those irresistible Indian flavours that’ll have you going back for seconds (and thirds.).
Chickpeas Paneer Salad Channa Paneer Salad
Cooking Tips
For the best results, soak the chickpeas overnight for maximum tenderness. Don’t skip the chaat masala—it’s the secret ingredient that gives this salad its addictive, moreish quality. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less green chilli.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This chickpea paneer salad makes a fabulous light lunch or dinner, serving 3-4 as a main dish. It’s also an excellent potluck or picnic option since it can be served chilled. Simply prep it a couple of hours ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to indulge. Total prep time is around 30 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Rajma Salad (Kidney Bean Salad)
- Kachumber Salad (Indian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
- Spicy Roasted Chickpea Salad
- Aloo Chana Chaat (Potato and Chickpea Snack)
Nutrient Benefits
With its stellar combo of chickpeas, paneer, and veggies, this salad packs a serious nutritional punch. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fibre, and minerals like iron. Paneer provides quality protein and calcium. You’re also getting vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients from the fresh produce.
Chickpeas Paneer Salad (Channa Paneer Salad)
Ingredients
- Chickpeas (Kabuli Channa - 1 cup, soaked in water for 8 hours or overnight)
- 100 gms Paneer
- 1 Potato
- Tomatoes (large or two medium, firm ones)
- 1 Onion (finely chopped or sliced)
- 1 Green Chilli
- Coriander Leaves (handful, chopped)
- Lettuce or Cabbage Leaves (few, roughly torn (optional))
- Black Olives (few, sliced (optional))
- Salt as per taste
- Black Pepper Powder as per taste
- 1/2 to 3/4 tsp Chat Masala Powder
- Juice of 1 small Lemon or 1/2 medium Lemon
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
- Pressure cook with enough water until 1 or 2 whistles or until soft.
- Boil the potato, peel the skin and dice it into small cubes.
- Finely chop the tomatoes and green chillies.
- Combine the cooked chickpeas, paneer cubes, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and green chillies in a bowl.
- Add salt, chat masala powder, lemon juice and pepper powder.
- Toss well until evenly combined.
- Garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve at once, or keep it in the fridge for an hour or two and serve chilled.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Certainly. Omit the paneer; you’ve got a delicious, vegan-friendly chickpea salad. Add extra veggies like roasted beets or sweet potatoes to increase the heartiness.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this chickpea paneer salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. The flavours may intensify over time, so add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
What can I use instead of chaat masala?
Chaat masala is a signature Indian spice blend that gives this salad a tangy, spicy flavour. If you can’t find it, you can make a quick substitute by mixing cumin, coriander, dried mango powder, black salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this chickpea paneer salad is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, if you serve it alongside gluten-containing dishes, be mindful of any potential cross-contamination.
What are some tasty add-ins for this salad?
This salad is super versatile. For extra crunch and freshness, try tossing in some diced cucumbers, sliced radishes, or roasted bell peppers. Chopped fresh mint or cilantro would also make a lovely herby addition.
2 comments
Looks delicious!
Good combination.