Chickpeas have many health benefits. They are high in fibre and protein, and they have low glycemic index (how fast sugar enters the blood stream). Enjoying as little as 1/2 cup of chickpeas daily can keep you feeling full and consuming fewer calories. Including chickpeas to your diet each day can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of heart disease. My husband gets tired of salads with lettuce, so this is a great alternative to our weekly menu.
Salad ingredients: Place in a bowl
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 hothouse cucumber, quartered and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Dressing: Mix together
- juice of a lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 glove of garlic, minced
- 1 tbs of parsley and/or basil
- 1/2-1 tsp chili pepper
Toss to combine the salad and dressing together. If you are an onion lover, add green or chopped sweet onions to this salad. Chill before serving.