Some of my favorite meals are the ones that come together effortlessly, yet nourish deeply. This Ayurvedic chickpea salad is one of those simple pleasures—a dish I often turn to when I want something light, grounding, and easy on the gut.

In Ayurveda, food is much more than taste or nutrition—it’s energy, healing, and balance. I grew up watching my mother soak chickpeas overnight, always with an intuitive understanding of what our bodies needed in each season. Inspired by that wisdom, this salad combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the brightness of lemon, seasonal vegetables, and digestive spices to support your agni (digestive fire) and bring harmony to the body.

It’s especially helpful during seasonal transitions—like spring and early summer—when we want to feel light yet sustained. I often make this after a yoga session or on days when my schedule is full but I still want to eat mindfully and intentionally.

Chickpea Salad (Ayurvedic Style)

You’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (soaked overnight and boiled until soft)

• ½ cup cucumber, diced

• ½ cup tomato, chopped

• 1/2 cup Pineapple, chopped

• 1/2 cup Lattuce, chopped

• A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Juice of ½ a lemon

• 1 tsp cold-pressed olive oil or a drizzle of warm ghee

• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

• ¼ tsp rock salt or black salt

• A pinch of black pepper or hing (asafoetida) to support Vata

• Optional: a dash of amchur or chat masala for an extra tang

How to make it:

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked chickpeas.

2. Mix in all your chopped veggies and fresh herbs.

3. Add the lemon juice and oil or ghee.

4. Sprinkle in your spices—cumin, salt or pepper.

5. Toss everything gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

Serve it at room temperature—Ayurveda teaches us that cold foods can dull the digestive fire.

Why I Love It (and Ayurveda Does Too!)

• 🌿 Balances Doshas – With the right tweaks, it’s tridoshic. Add warmth for Vata, reduce acidity for Pitta, and go lighter for Kapha.

• 💫 Grounding & Energizing – Chickpeas are sattvic, which means they give energy without heaviness or sluggishness.

• 🌞 Supports Digestion – With cumin, lemon, and hing, this salad gently wakes up your agni (digestive fire).

• 🥗 Quick & Wholesome – Perfect for busy days when you want something healing yet effortless.

• 🌸 Rooted in Tradition – This recipe brings back memories of home, of soaking pulses overnight and cooking with care and love.

I hope this salad becomes your go-to too—whether it’s for a quick lunch, post-yoga nourishment, or a quiet moment with a bowl of something comforting.

Because healing doesn’t always need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a bowl of chickpeas, a handful of herbs, and a whole lot of intention. 💛✨