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A rustic bowl of vibrant chickpea salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs.

High Protein Chickpea Salad with Toasted Walnuts

A hearty, protein-packed chickpea salad featuring crunchy toasted walnuts and a creamy, tangy dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. This recipe offers a satisfying vegetarian option with a significant protein boost.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 238

Ingredients
  

For the Chickpea Salad Base
  • 2 cans Chickpeas 15 oz each, rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 2 stalks Celery finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion finely minced
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt full-fat or 2% for best creaminess and protein
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Maple Syrup optional, or agave for a hint of sweetness
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast for cheesy flavor and extra protein
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Air Fryer
  • Fork
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Walnuts
  1. Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, if using an air fryer, air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Allow walnuts to cool completely, then roughly chop.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (if using), garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Prepare the Chickpea Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Using a fork or a potato masher, lightly mash about two-thirds of the chickpeas, leaving some whole for a varied texture. This helps create a creamy base while maintaining some bite.
  2. Add the finely diced celery, minced red onion, chopped toasted walnuts, fresh dill, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the creamy dressing over the chickpea mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
  2. Serve immediately for fresh crunch, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Enjoy as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, with whole-grain crackers, or as a protein-rich side salad.

Notes

Store leftover High Protein Chickpea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is excellent for meal prep. For an even greater protein boost, serve on high-protein bread, wraps, or alongside extra lean protein.