Description
A light, fresh, and vibrant Asian Cucumber and Chickpea Slaw featuring crisp cucumbers, protein-rich chickpeas, shredded carrots, and green onions, all tossed in a zesty natural dressing. Enhanced with smoky turkey bacon and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, this refreshing salad is perfect as a standalone dish or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 cups Asian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Dressing (Natural)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the Asian cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Finely shred the carrots, chop the green onions, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro to create the crisp vegetable base for the slaw.
- Cook and Chop the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Drain any excess fat and chop into bite-sized pieces to add a smoky, savory flavor to the slaw.
- Make the Dressing (Natural): Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, honey or agave syrup, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. If a thicker consistency is desired, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, chickpeas, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add the Bacon and Finish: Sprinkle the chopped smoked turkey bacon on top and gently fold it into the slaw. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds to enhance texture and add a nutty flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cucumbers that are crisp and free of watery seeds for the best texture.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly to avoid any canned flavor and maintain freshness.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their nuttiness and improve texture.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Asian cucumber slaw, chickpea salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, gluten free slaw, fresh vegetable salad, protein packed salad