Name: Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium head broccoli, chopped into small pieces (about 4 cups chopped); 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 2 ribs celery, chopped; 1/3 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese; 1/4 cup tahini; 3 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice); 1 garlic clove, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 41 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that feels fresh, satisfying, and a little unexpected, you’ll absolutely love this Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that comes together quickly but packs a punch of flavor and texture, balancing crunchy broccoli, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty, tangy dressing. Trust me, this is a fan-freaking-tastic salad you’ll want to make again and again—perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a potluck showstopper.

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Why This Recipe Works

Fresh and Crunchy: The broccoli and bell pepper give crisp texture that keeps every bite lively.
Creamy Tangy Dressing: The lemon tahini dressing is bright, nutty, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness.
Protein Packed: Chickpeas add hearty plant-based protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Simple and Versatile: Minimal ingredients and no cooking required make this salad a breeze to throw together anytime.

Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini, healthy chickpea salad, vegan broccoli salad, lemon tahini dressing, quick vegetarian side dish - A white bowl filled with a colorful salad showing multiple layers: the base layer consists of small, bright green broccoli florets and light beige chickpeas; scattered throughout are chunky orange bell pepper pieces and pale green celery bits; bright purple-red onion cubes are mixed evenly, adding contrast; white crumbled cheese pieces are sprinkled on top along with thin, light beige almond slivers; a light creamy dressing is drizzled over the salad, visible especially on the cheese and broccoli. A silver spoon rests in the bowl on the left side, and in the background there is a small glass jar with more dressing and a spoon inside it; the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a grey striped towel to the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe plays its part beautifully. From the crunchy veggies to the nutty dressing, every element complements the others without overpowering. Here are some tips so you pick the best produce and pantry staples.

Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini, healthy chickpea salad, vegan broccoli salad, lemon tahini dressing, quick vegetarian side dish - Flat lay of fresh chopped broccoli florets, a small white bowl of rinsed chickpeas, bright yellow bell pepper pieces, chopped celery stalks, finely chopped red onion, a small white bowl of slivered almonds, crumbled creamy goat cheese, a small white bowl of smooth tahini, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a whole unpeeled garlic clove, and a small white bowl of clear water placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Broccoli: Choose a firm, fresh crown with deep green florets; chopping it finely helps the flavors meld.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly—just rinse well for freshness and to reduce sodium.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch; yellow or orange peppers provide the best color contrast.
Celery: Gives an extra crisp bite, so fresh stalks with no brown spots are best.
Red Onion: Use sparingly for a mild zing; soak sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow it further.
Slivered Almonds: Toast them lightly for a deeper flavor or use raw if you prefer a milder nutty note.
Goat Cheese: The tangy creaminess of crumbled goat cheese balances the veggies and dressing.
Tahini: Essential for that rich, nutty base in the dressing—stir it well before measuring as the oil can separate.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the savory, tangy flavors.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the brightness this salad relies on.
Garlic: Just a little minced garlic amps up the savory depth.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to wake up all the ingredients.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe is super forgiving and a great canvas for customization. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand or what flavor profile I’m craving—try it yourself and see what you fancy!

Add Fresh Herbs: I love tossing in chopped parsley or dill for a fresh herbal kick.
Make It Vegan: Simply swap goat cheese for diced avocado or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa in the dressing livens things up nicely.
Seasonal Variation: Swap broccoli for cauliflower or add shredded carrots when you want a slightly different texture and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by chopping your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets so everything mixes well and is easy to eat. Chop the yellow bell pepper and celery into pieces roughly the same size as the broccoli for a balanced crunch. Finely dice the red onion to help it blend smoothly without overpowering. Taking your time here sets the foundation for a well-textured salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, chickpeas (rinsed and drained), bell pepper, celery, red onion, slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. I like to gently mix it by hand to keep the bigger chunks intact and to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the tahini, water, maple syrup (or honey), fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, plus salt and pepper. Stir really well until it’s smooth and creamy. Sometimes the tahini can be thick, so adding the water little by little helps you reach that perfect pourable dressing consistency. Taste and adjust—more lemon for brightness, a splash more water if it’s too thick.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour your luscious lemon tahini dressing over the salad ingredients and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. This step brings all those flavors together, so don’t rush! After mixing, give it a taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe

Chop Everything Finely: I find finely chopped broccoli and veggies blend better and absorb the dressing beautifully without being overpowering.
Rinse Chickpeas Thoroughly: This removes excess salt and that canned flavor, giving you fresher-tasting beans.
Adjust Dressing Consistency: Add water gradually to your tahini mix to avoid a gluey dressing. You want it creamy but pourable.
Add Dressing Last-Minute: Dress the salad just before serving for the freshest crunch, unless you prefer it a day later when flavors meld.

How to Serve Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra toasted slivered almonds on top right before serving to amp the crunch factor. A little fresh chopped parsley or cilantro works wonders too for a pop of green freshness. If you want to be fancy, some lemon zest over the top brightens the whole salad beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner. I also love serving it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal. For a totally plant-based feast, it’s great with roasted sweet potatoes or a grain bowl featuring quinoa or farro.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve this salad layered in clear glass jars so people can see the colorful ingredients. It also makes for an eye-catching dish at picnic buffets or potlucks. Another fun idea: stuff the salad inside pita pockets or wrap it in collard greens for portable, fresh lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because this salad has a dressing that can soften the broccoli over time, I sometimes keep the dressing separate and add it fresh just before eating to maintain the crispness.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh veggies and dressing texture won’t hold up. I recommend making it fresh or enjoying leftovers chilled within a few days instead.

Reheating

Since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I don’t reheat this salad. If you want to warm up the chickpeas, scoop them out first and heat gently then toss back with the other ingredients and dressing afterward.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice is ideal for this Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe because it brings bright, natural acidity that bottled juice often lacks.
How can I make the dressing less thick if my tahini is stubbornly thick?

Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, and stir thoroughly. You want it creamy and smooth without being gluey or too stiff.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! For best results, prepare the veggies and chickpeas ahead, but keep the dressing separate and mix fresh when ready to eat to preserve freshness and crunch.
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?

Definitely! Feta cheese is a great alternative that offers a similar tang and crumbly texture, or you can go for a dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Chickpea Broccoli Salad with Lemon Tahini Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, it comes together quickly and impresses with every bite. I hope you give it a try and make it your own — I’d bet you’ll be sharing it with your friends just like me!