Buffalo Chicken Bean Salad (Printable Version)

Chickpeas and crisp vegetables tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans & Legumes

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cups mixed salad greens (optional)

→ Sauce & Cheese

06 - 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
07 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
08 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, diced carrots, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt until smooth.
03 - Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chickpea and vegetable mix. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Fold in half of the crumbled blue cheese gently into the salad mixture.
05 - Distribute salad greens (if using) onto serving plates, then top with the buffalo chickpea mixture.
06 - Sprinkle remaining blue cheese and chopped fresh parsley over each serving. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers all the bold, tangy heat of buffalo wings without turning on the oven or fryer.
  • The crunch from the celery and carrots balances the creamy sauce in a way that feels both indulgent and light.
  • You can prep it in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last minute lunches or unexpected guests.
02 -
  • Rinse your chickpeas thoroughly or the salad will taste too salty and the sauce won't stick as well.
  • Don't skip the small bowl for mixing the dressing, whisking it separately ensures a smooth, lump free coating.
  • Add the blue cheese in two stages so you get both creamy pockets and a beautiful garnish on top.
03 -
  • Dry your chickpeas well after rinsing so the sauce clings better and doesn't slide off.
  • Use a good quality buffalo sauce, the cheap stuff can taste vinegary and one dimensional.
  • Toast the chickpeas in a hot pan for a few minutes before tossing if you want extra texture and a nutty flavor.
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