Protein‑Rich Kala Chana Salad Recipe | Black Chickpea Chaat

Name: Protein‑Rich Kala Chana Salad Recipe | Black Chickpea Chaat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: North Indian Recipes
Ingredients: 2 cups Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas) soaked overnight; 3 cups Water for pressure cooking; 1 null Onion finely chopped; 1 null Cucumber peeled and finely chopped; 1 null Tomato finely chopped; 2 null Green Chillies finely chopped (adjustable); null Salt as required; 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera); 1 null Lemon juice extracted; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper powder; 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder; 1/4 cup Coriander (Dhania) Leaves finely chopped

Archana's Kitchen

April 22, 2025

2914 Ratings

Protein‑Rich Kala Chana Salad Recipe | Black Chickpea Chaat

Time:Prep: 10 M|Cook: 20 M|Total: 30 M

Makes:4 Servings

Meal:Appetizer

Cuisine:North Indian Recipes

This Kala Chana Salad Recipe (also known as Black Chickpea Chaat) comes from North‑Indian street‑food traditions, where protein‑packed kala chana are dressed with crisp vegetables, zesty lemon and chaat masala for a refreshing, tangy bite. The nutty flavour and firm texture of brown chickpeas carry bold spices like roasted cumin and red chilli while cooling onion, tomato and cucumber add crunch. I love pairing this fibre‑rich, vegan salad with fluffy phulkas, a bowl of Gujarati dal and a quick bhindi stir‑fry for a balanced week‑day lunch.

Because kala chana is slow‑digested and iron‑rich, this salad keeps you full longer, helps stabilise blood sugar and is a smart choice during hot Indian summers when light, no‑oil meals feel best. Pomegranate arils give pops of sweetness and vitamin C, while roasted peanuts boost healthy fats. Make a double batch: it tastes even better the next day and packs beautifully into lunch boxes.

Serve Kala Chana Salad Recipe along with Gujarati Dal, Roti, Bhindi Masala Recipe and Quinoa Foxtail rice for a wholesome lunch meal.

If you like this recipe, you can also try other salad recipes such as :

Serve Kala Chana Salad Recipe along with Gujarati Dal, Roti, Bhindi Masala Recipe and Quinoa Foxtail rice for a wholesome lunch meal.

If you like this recipe, you can also try other salad recipes such as :

Ingredients

2 cups Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas), soaked overnight

3 cups Water, for pressure cooking

1 Onion, finely chopped

1 Cucumber, peeled and finely chopped

1 Tomato, finely chopped

2 Green Chillies, finely chopped (adjustable)

Salt, as required

1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)

1 Lemon, juice extracted

1/2 teaspoon Black pepper powder

1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder

1/4 cup Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped

Instructions for Protein‑Rich Kala Chana Salad Recipe | Black Chickpea Chaat

To begin making the Indian Style Black Chickpea Salad recipe, prep all the ingredients and keep them ready for easy cooking.

Rinse kala chana well, then soak in plenty of water (8–10 hours). Drain, rinse again and add to a pressure cooker with 3 cups fresh water and ½ teaspoon salt.

Pressure‑cook on high for 6 whistles, lower heat and cook 20 minutes more and turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally; the chickpeas should mash softly between fingers yet hold shape. Drain and cool completely.

While chana cools, finely chop onion, tomato, cucumber and green chillies. Keep tomato seeds minimal so the salad stays dry and fresh.

In a small bowl whisk lemon juice withand remaining salt until spices dissolve.

In a large mixing bowl combine cooled kala chana, chopped veggies, green chillies, lemon, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black pepper, and coriander leaves. Combine well and check the salt and adjust according to taste.

Serve this Kala chana salad immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes for flavours to meld.

Serve Kala Chana Salad Recipe along with Gujarati Dal, Roti, Bhindi Masala Recipe and Quinoa Foxtail rice for a wholesome lunch mea