These Curried Chickpea Salad Sliders are a vibrant, protein-packed snack or appetizer that balances creamy avocado, fragrant curry spices, and crunchy toppings.
High in plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they’re a satisfying choice for any meal.
Quick to prepare and fully customizable, they make an ideal option for easy lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal-prep-friendly sandwiches.
Curried Chickpea Salad Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Potato masher or fork
- 1 small knife
- 1 cutting board
- Measuring spoons (1 tbsp, ¼ tsp)
- Measuring cups (¼ cup, ½ cup, 1 ½ cups)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 small avocado peeled and pitted
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup red onion diced (*see note)
- ½ cup cilantro leaves chopped with finely chopped stems
- ¼ cup hemp seeds or chopped walnuts
- ½ teaspoon curry powder mild or madras, adjust to taste
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- About 8 mini slider buns or lettuce cups
- Optional fixings: lettuce tomato slices, onion rings, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any excess liquid or starch, ensuring a clean, smooth texture for the salad. Transfer the chickpeas to a medium mixing bowl, making sure there’s enough space to mash and stir the ingredients comfortably.
- Mash the Avocado and Tahini Base: Slice and pit 1 small avocado, then scoop the creamy flesh into the same bowl as the chickpeas. Add 1 tablespoon of tahini, which brings a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture. Using a potato masher or a sturdy fork, gently mash the chickpeas and avocado together until smooth yet slightly chunky. This combination creates a luscious, spreadable base for the sliders.
- Incorporate Aromatic Flavors: Add ¼ teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon curry powder (adjust to taste), and the juice of 1 small lemon to the mashed mixture. Sprinkle in generous pinches of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use the masher or a fork to gently fold these ingredients in, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the chickpea base.
- Fold in Fresh Herbs and Crunch: Dice ¼ cup red onion finely and chop ½ cup cilantro leaves with some stems. Stir these into the mashed chickpea mixture along with ¼ cup hemp seeds or chopped walnuts. These ingredients add a refreshing herbal note and a satisfying crunch. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder according to your preference.
- Chill the Salad (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable lid and place it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. Chilling allows the spices and herbs to meld together, giving the salad a more balanced, harmonious taste. However, it can also be served immediately if you’re short on time.
- Prepare the Slider Buns or Lettuce Cups: If using mini slider buns, lightly toast them on a skillet or in the oven for 2–3 minutes to enhance texture and flavor. For a gluten-free option, use large crisp lettuce leaves as cups instead. Wash and pat dry any additional toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or fresh herbs.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spoon a generous portion of the curried chickpea salad onto the bottom half of each bun or lettuce cup. Top with any optional fixings such as onion rings, tomato slices, lettuce, or additional herbs. Place the top bun gently over the filling, or fold the lettuce leaf around the salad for a wrap-style bite.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and serve immediately. These Curried Chickpea Salad Sliders are perfect as a quick lunch, snack, or party appetizer. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day, with avocado added just before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe avocado for maximum creaminess; under-ripe avocado may make the salad chunky or hard to mash.
- Adjust curry powder according to your taste preference; start small and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Hemp seeds or walnuts provide crunch and healthy fats; you can also try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for variation.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, rinse the diced red onion under cold water to reduce sharpness, then pat dry.
- These sliders are versatile—serve in mini buns, lettuce cups, or even as a hearty topping for crackers or flatbreads.
- For meal prep, store the chickpea mixture without avocado, then mash in fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
The secret to these sliders lies in balancing creamy, tangy, and aromatic elements.
Make sure to mash the chickpeas and avocado to a slightly chunky consistency; this creates a satisfying texture while allowing the flavors to meld.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the curry and avocado, preventing the mixture from tasting heavy.
Don’t skimp on fresh herbs—cilantro elevates the flavor, giving each bite a vibrant freshness.
Toasting the buns lightly or using crisp lettuce adds an extra layer of texture, making the sliders more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
These curried chickpea sliders are extremely versatile.
Serve them as part of a casual lunch spread, paired with fresh vegetable sticks, pickles, or a simple side salad.
For a party, arrange them on a platter with colorful toppings like microgreens, cherry tomatoes, or sliced radishes to make them visually appealing.
For a low-carb option, swap buns for crisp lettuce leaves or whole-grain wraps.
They also work well as a protein-packed snack during a busy day or a fun, plant-based addition to a brunch table.
Storage Tips To Preserve Freshness
To keep your chickpea salad tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
If you want to prepare ahead, mash the chickpeas without avocado and store separately; add mashed avocado right before serving to prevent browning and maintain a creamy texture.
Keep buns or lettuce separate until assembly to prevent sogginess.
Leftovers can also be repurposed as a sandwich spread, grain bowl topping, or stuffed into pita pockets for an easy, quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these sliders vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! The salad itself is naturally vegan. For a gluten-free version, serve the chickpea mixture in lettuce cups or use gluten-free slider buns.
2. How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
Avocado browns quickly due to oxidation. Mix it in just before serving or squeeze extra lemon juice over the salad to slow discoloration. Storing avocado separately is ideal for meal prep.
3. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of cooked ones?
Absolutely. Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch. This ensures the salad has a clean flavor and the right texture.
4. Can I make this salad spicier?
Yes! Increase the curry powder slightly, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or sprinkle in some chili flakes. Taste as you go to ensure the heat is balanced.
5. How long can leftovers be stored?
The salad is best eaten within 24 hours for freshness and flavor, especially because avocado can brown. Storing the chickpea mixture separately from avocado extends shelf life slightly, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
