How to Make the BEST Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe!

By Eragon Smith / December 2, 2025

hero: overhead shot of vibrant chickpea salad in white bowl, colorful vegetables visible, tahini dressing drizzled on top, fresh herbs scattered, natural daylight from window, wooden table background, no text or watermarks

★★★★★★

4.5 out of 5

(1,540 reviews)

There’s something absolutely magical about a perfectly balanced chickpea salad that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often. This best chickpea salad recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables, zesty lemon, and creamy tahini dressing that brings everything together in the most delicious way possible.

I’ve been making salads with chickpeas for years, and I have to tell you, this version is my absolute favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that works for meal prep, potlucks, quick lunches, or even as a side dish for your favorite proteins. The beauty of this chickpea salad is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What makes this chickpea salad truly special is the combination of textures and flavors. You’ve got the tender chickpeas, crisp vegetables, creamy tahini dressing, and fresh herbs all coming together in perfect harmony. I love serving this alongside grilled chicken or tucking it into pita bread for a complete meal.

The tahini-lemon dressing is absolutely key here – it’s so much better than just using vinaigrette alone. It adds richness and depth while keeping everything light and fresh. This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again because it’s healthy, delicious, and comes together in just minutes.

If you’re looking for more vegetarian recipes or meal prep ideas, this chickpea salad is absolutely perfect. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering. Want to learn more about the health benefits of chickpeas? Check out this Bon Appétit guide to chickpeas and this Serious Eats article on chickpea recipes.

I promise once you make this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. It’s that good, and it’s that easy. Let me show you exactly how to make it.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Servings

4-6 servings

Ingredients

3 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 4½ cups cooked chickpeas)
1 cup diced English cucumber, seeds removed
1 cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
¼ cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons water (for dressing consistency)
Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

process: hands tossing chickpeas and vegetables in large mixing bowl, tahini dressing being drizzled in, fresh herbs visible, bright natural kitchen lighting, close-up side angle, no text

Instructions

Rinse your canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water, agitating them gently with your hands to remove excess starch and the thin skins that float to the surface. This step ensures the best texture and helps the salad feel lighter.
Pat the chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Add the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and mint to the bowl with the chickpeas. Toss gently to combine all the fresh vegetables.
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the water to the tahini mixture one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick.
Season the dressing with a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper, tasting as you go.
Pour the tahini-lemon dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed – you may want more lemon juice, salt, or spices depending on your preference.
Transfer the chickpea salad to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired.
Let the salad sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together, though it’s delicious served immediately.

detail: macro close-up of chickpea salad showing texture of chickpeas, diced vegetables, creamy dressing coating, fresh parsley and mint leaves, shallow depth of field, warm natural light, no text

Pro Tips

Make-Ahead Magic: This chickpea salad actually tastes better the next day! The flavors continue to develop and meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes.
Customization Options: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have available. Diced zucchini, shredded carrots, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, or kalamata olives all work wonderfully. You can also add cooked grains like quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker salad, use less water in the dressing. For a more liquid consistency that works well as a dip, add an extra tablespoon or two of water. You can also drizzle extra dressing on top just before serving.
Tahini Substitution: If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, almond butter, or even a simple lemon vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice. The dressing will be different but still delicious.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! The combination of parsley and mint is what really elevates this salad and makes it taste restaurant-quality. If you don’t have fresh mint, cilantro or basil work beautifully as substitutes.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this chickpea salad as a side dish, stuff it into pita bread with lettuce and hummus for a sandwich, serve it over greens as a main course salad, or use it as a topping for grain bowls. It’s also wonderful as a dip with pita chips or vegetables.
Flavor Boosters: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of pomegranate molasses, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika. A sprinkle of sumac adds a beautiful tang and visual appeal.
Storage Tips: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If the dressing gets absorbed and the salad seems dry, simply whisk together a quick tahini dressing and toss it in just before serving.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for various dietary needs. Just double-check that your tahini is certified gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles or triples easily if you’re making it for a crowd or doing meal prep for the week. The ingredients are budget-friendly and come together quickly.
Temperature: Serve this salad at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Some people love it straight from the refrigerator, while others prefer it slightly warmer.

How to Make the BEST Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe!

Ingredients

Instructions

Pro Tips

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