Knackiger Sellerie Kichererbsen Salat

This Crunchy Celery and Chickpea Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect answer when you're craving something fresh, light, and utterly satisfying. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures—from the crisp snap of celery to the creamy richness of chickpeas—all brought together by a tangy, zesty Dijon vinaigrette. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, looking for a wholesome side dish, or simply need a quick vegetarian lunch that doesn't compromise on flavor, this salad checks all the boxes. It's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with plant-based protein to keep you energized throughout the day.

Merken

What makes this salad truly special is the balance of flavors and textures. The celery brings a crisp, slightly peppery bite, while the chickpeas add substance and a buttery creaminess. Shredded carrot contributes natural sweetness, and the red onion provides a sharp, aromatic note that's mellowed by the acidic vinaigrette. Fresh parsley adds brightness, and the optional roasted almonds or sunflower seeds introduce a toasted, nutty dimension. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Dijon vinaigrette—a perfect emulsion of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, sweetened with a touch of honey or maple syrup and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. It's a salad that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• Salad: 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 4 large celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, shredded; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup roasted almonds or sunflower seeds, roughly chopped (optional)
• Dijon Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the salad ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine chickpeas, celery, red onion, carrot, parsley, and nuts or seeds if using.

Step 2: Prepare the Dijon vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

Step 3: Dress the salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Adjust and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, make sure to slice your celery as thinly as possible—this ensures every bite is crisp rather than fibrous. When whisking the vinaigrette, continue whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified; this prevents the oil and vinegar from separating. If you're making this salad ahead of time, store the vinaigrette separately and toss it with the vegetables just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. The chickpeas can be patted dry with a paper towel for an even better texture. For a warmer flavor profile, toast your almonds or sunflower seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This salad is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or diced cucumber. Swap parsley for dill or cilantro for a different flavor profile—dill works beautifully with the Dijon, while cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy note. If you prefer a creamier salad, mash a few of the chickpeas before tossing. For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. To make it heartier, toss in some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat. You can also swap the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds depending on your preference or what's in your pantry.

Serviervorschläge

This Crunchy Celery and Chickpea Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, chicken, or as a hearty standalone meal with crusty bread. Serve it as a light lunch on its own, or as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues and potlucks. It's also perfect for meal prep—portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. For a complete meal, serve alongside a warm soup or stuff it into pita pockets with some hummus. The salad also makes an excellent topping for grain bowls or can be served over a bed of mixed greens for extra volume.

Merken

With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and bold flavors, this Crunchy Celery and Chickpea Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is proof that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. It's a recipe you'll return to again and again, whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something fresh and nourishing. The combination of crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and that irresistible tangy vinaigrette creates a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. So grab your ingredients, whisk up that dressing, and enjoy a salad that's as delicious as it is nutritious. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.

Fragen rund um das Rezept

→ Welche Vorteile bietet Sellerie in Salaten?

Sellerie bringt eine angenehme Knackigkeit und Frische mit, die Salaten eine leichte Textur verleiht.

→ Wie bereite ich die Dijon Vinaigrette zu?

Alle Zutaten wie Olivenöl, Rotweinessig, Dijonsenf, Honig, Knoblauch, Salz und Pfeffer gut verquirlen, bis eine homogene Emulsion entsteht.

→ Kann ich Nüsse gegen Samen tauschen?

Ja, geröstete Mandeln lassen sich problemlos durch Sonnenblumenkerne ersetzen, ohne den Geschmack zu stark zu verändern.

→ Wie lange hält sich der Salat im Kühlschrank?

Im Kühlschrank hält sich der Salat bis zu zwei Tage. Am besten frisch genießen, da die Textur mit der Zeit weicher wird.

→ Welche Kräuter passen gut als Alternative zu Petersilie?

Dill oder Koriander sind hervorragende Alternativen, die frische und aromatische Nuancen einbringen.