Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chickpea Mango Salad Recipe – Indian Chaat Masala & Mint Delight

Introduction

Oh, this salad! It’s seriously one of my go-to recipes, especially during the warmer months. I first made it last summer when I was craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavour. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet mango, hearty chickpeas, and that incredible zing from Indian spices. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it comes together in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chickpea Mango Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours is addictive, and the fresh mint adds a lovely coolness. Plus, it’s super easy to customize to your liking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• ½ cup chickpeas
• 1 mango
• 1 large cucumber
• 1 small onion
• 100 gm cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp mint leaves
• 4 green chillies
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• Lime juice (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Chickpeas: Types & Preparation

You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, or cook dried chickpeas from scratch. If using canned, be sure to rinse and drain them well. I prefer using kabuli chana – they have a lovely creamy texture.

Mango: Choosing the Right Variety for Salad

For this salad, you want a mango that’s firm but ripe. Alphonso mangoes are amazing if you can get them, but any sweet, non-fibrous variety will work beautifully. Totapuri or Kesar are also great choices.

Cucumber: Regional Indian Varieties

In India, we have so many cucumber varieties! Kheera is a common one, but you can also use English cucumbers (the ones wrapped in plastic) as they have fewer seeds.

Chaat Masala: The Heart of Indian Flavor

Chaat masala is a tangy, spicy blend that’s essential for that authentic Indian flavour. It’s readily available in most Indian grocery stores.

Garam Masala: Aromatic Spice Blend

Garam masala is a warm, aromatic spice blend. Every family has their own recipe, but it usually includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin.

Green Chillies: Spice Level & Varieties

Green chillies add a lovely kick! Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Serrano or Thai green chillies work well.

Olive Oil: Alternatives & Regional Oils

Olive oil adds a nice fruity flavour, but you can also use mustard oil (a popular choice in Eastern India) or sunflower oil.

Ingredients Breakdown: Freshness & Quality

Using the freshest ingredients really elevates this salad. Look for firm, ripe mangoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant mint leaves. Don’t skimp on the spices – they’re what make this salad sing!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced mango, chopped cucumber, finely chopped onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped mint leaves, and finely chopped green chillies.
2. Sprinkle in the garam masala, chaat masala, chilli flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice – start with a tablespoon and add more to taste.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Now, the fun part – toss everything together really well until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the spices and lime juice.
6. Pop the salad into the fridge for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Balance of Flavors

Taste as you go! Adjust the lime juice, chilli flakes, and chaat masala to your liking.

Ensuring Chickpeas are Tender but Firm

If using canned chickpeas, don’t over-rinse them, or they can become mushy.

Preventing Mango from Browning

If you’re making the salad ahead of time, toss the mango with a little lime juice to prevent it from browning.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Remove the seeds from the green chillies for a milder flavour. You can also reduce the amount of chilli flakes.

Variations

This salad is a blank canvas for your creativity!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan!

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Hot

For a milder salad, use less green chilli and chilli flakes. For a spicier kick, add more! My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptation: Summer Celebrations & Picnics

This salad is perfect for summer picnics and festivals. It’s light, refreshing, and travels well.

Serving Suggestions

So many ways to enjoy this salad!

Pairing with Indian Meals

It’s a fantastic side dish with dal chawal (lentils and rice) or roti (Indian flatbread).

Serving as a Light Lunch or Snack

It’s substantial enough to be a light lunch or a satisfying snack.

Ideal for Potlucks & Gatherings

Bring this to your next potluck – it’s always a hit!

Storage Instructions

Maintaining Freshness & Flavor

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Long Will It Last?

It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the mango and cucumber can become soggy over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use canned chickpeas? What’s the best way to prepare them?

Absolutely! Just rinse and drain them well.

What type of mango is best for this salad?

Alphonso is amazing, but any sweet, non-fibrous mango will work.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but the mango and cucumber might lose some of their crispness. Toss the mango with lime juice to prevent browning.

How can I adjust the spice level of this salad?

Adjust the amount of green chillies and chilli flakes.

Is chaat masala readily available, and what can I substitute if I can’t find it?

It’s available in most Indian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can try a mix of amchur powder (dried mango powder), cumin powder, and black salt.

What are some other herbs I can use in addition to mint?

Cilantro (coriander) is a great addition! A little bit of chopped parsley also works well.