Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill Recipe

My kitchen is often a bustling hub of culinary experiments, but sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes that become the most cherished. Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is one such gem. Initially, I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a quick and healthy lunch option, something beyond the usual sandwich or salad. What I discovered was a delightful combination of textures and flavors that has since become a regular feature on our family table. From the first bite, the creamy, tangy dressing embracing the tender chickpeas, punctuated by the fresh, bright dill, was an instant hit. Even my kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even a satisfying vegetarian main course. This salad isn’t just about chickpeas; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures that make healthy eating exciting and incredibly delicious. Over time, I’ve tweaked and perfected it, adding my own little touches to enhance its already wonderful qualities. And now, I’m excited to share this truly delightful Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill recipe with you, hoping it becomes as much of a staple in your home as it is in mine.

Ingredients for Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

The beauty of this Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill lies not just in its taste, but also in its simplicity and the accessibility of its ingredients. You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a perfect recipe for those moments when you need a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal without a trip to the grocery store. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the final flavor profile and texture of this delightful salad. Let’s break down each component:

• Chickpeas (2 cans, 15 ounces each, or about 3 cups cooked): Chickpeas are the heart and soul of this salad, providing a wonderfully creamy texture when mashed and a slightly nutty flavor that forms the base of the dish. Canned chickpeas are incredibly convenient and readily available, making this recipe a breeze to whip up. Ensure you drain and rinse them well to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid, which can sometimes have a slightly metallic taste. Rinsing also helps to make them even creamier when mashed. If you prefer to cook your chickpeas from scratch, that works perfectly too! Just remember to soak them overnight and then simmer until tender.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): Mayonnaise is the key to the “creamy” in Creamy Chickpea Salad. It binds all the ingredients together and adds a rich, smooth texture. For the best flavor, opt for a good quality mayonnaise. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use light mayonnaise or even a vegan mayonnaise alternative to keep the recipe plant-based and lower in fat. Vegan mayonnaise made from avocado oil or olive oil can also add a unique and healthy twist to the salad. The choice of mayonnaise can significantly impact the overall taste, so experiment to find your favorite!
• Celery (2 stalks, finely diced): Celery brings a refreshing crunch and a subtle, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the chickpeas and mayonnaise. Finely dicing the celery ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad and doesn’t overpower the other flavors. The crispness of the celery is a welcome textural element, preventing the salad from being too monotonous in texture.
• Red Onion (¼ cup, finely diced): Red onion adds a bit of zing and a mild pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and complements the earthiness of the chickpeas. Finely dicing the red onion is important to ensure it’s not too overpowering and blends seamlessly into the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This will mellow out its sharpness while retaining its flavor. Alternatively, you can use shallots or even green onions for a milder onion flavor.
• Fresh Dill (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh dill is the star herb in this recipe, lending its distinctive, bright, and slightly citrusy flavor that elevates the entire salad. Fresh dill is essential for that characteristic dill flavor; dried dill simply won’t provide the same vibrancy. Make sure to chop the dill just before adding it to the salad to preserve its fresh aroma and taste. Dill not only adds flavor but also contributes a lovely visual appeal with its feathery green fronds.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Lemon juice provides a crucial element of acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing all the other flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its superior flavor. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to prevent the salad from tasting too heavy or bland. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference; some may like a tangier salad, while others prefer a milder citrus note.
• Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor that complements the mayonnaise and lemon juice. It also helps to emulsify the dressing, ensuring it’s smooth and well-combined. Dijon mustard has a slightly more complex and less vinegary flavor than yellow mustard, making it a great choice for this recipe.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together and enhance the overall taste of the salad. Seasoning is crucial in this recipe, so don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting as you go. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste and add more until the flavors are well-balanced and the salad is seasoned to your liking. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for its more aromatic and robust flavor.

These simple yet carefully chosen ingredients combine to create a Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the overall success of the dish, making it a truly harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.

Instructions: Making Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

Creating this Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is remarkably straightforward and quick, making it an ideal recipe for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings. The process is simple enough for even novice cooks, and the result is a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful salad:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by opening the cans of chickpeas. Pour the chickpeas into a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This step is important to remove any excess sodium and the liquid from the can, which can sometimes have a slightly metallic taste. Rinsing also helps the chickpeas become even creamier when mashed. After rinsing, drain the chickpeas well, ensuring as much excess water as possible is removed.
2. Mash the Chickpeas: Now, transfer the drained chickpeas to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a fork, potato masher, or even the back of a spoon, start mashing the chickpeas. You don’t need to mash them completely smooth; leaving some chickpeas slightly chunky adds a pleasant texture to the salad. Aim for a consistency where most of the chickpeas are mashed, but some pieces remain intact. This mixture of textures is what makes the salad so appealing.
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the chickpeas are resting in the bowl, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Take the celery stalks and finely dice them. Do the same with the red onion, ensuring both are finely diced so they distribute evenly throughout the salad and don’t overpower the other flavors. Next, take the fresh dill and chop it finely. Fresh herbs are best chopped just before using to retain their maximum flavor and aroma.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced celery, diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Now, it’s time to add the creamy element. Measure out the mayonnaise and add it to the bowl. Next, add the Dijon mustard and lemon juice.
5. Mix and Season: Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Make sure the mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice are evenly distributed, coating all the chickpeas, vegetables, and dill. Once everything is mixed, it’s time to season the salad. Start by adding a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or even a touch more Dijon mustard, depending on your taste preference. Remember to taste as you go and adjust seasonings gradually.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): While the salad is delicious immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Chilling also enhances the texture and makes it even more refreshing, especially on a warm day. If you’re short on time, you can certainly enjoy it right away, but chilling is highly recommended for the best flavor experience.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled (or immediately if you prefer), your Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is ready to serve! There are numerous ways to enjoy this versatile salad, from serving it as a sandwich filling to enjoying it as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Get creative with how you serve it and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures you’ve created.

Following these simple steps will lead you to a wonderfully flavorful and creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill that is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special and satisfying.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

Understanding the nutritional profile of the food we eat is increasingly important. Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of nutrients. It’s a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, thanks to the chickpeas, and it also provides some vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs. Keep in mind that the exact nutritional values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients used, particularly the type of mayonnaise. However, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Servings: This recipe typically makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size. A serving size is generally considered to be about ¾ cup to 1 cup of salad.

Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving (estimated):

• Calories: 280-350 calories
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams (depending on the type of mayonnaise used)
  • Unsaturated Fat: Predominantly from mayonnaise and chickpeas, including some healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Cholesterol: 5-15 mg (primarily from mayonnaise, may be 0 if using vegan mayonnaise)
• Sodium: 400-500 mg (can vary depending on canned chickpeas and mayonnaise; rinsing chickpeas reduces sodium)
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
  • Fiber: 6-8 grams
  • Sugar: 3-5 grams (naturally occurring sugars from chickpeas and vegetables)

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Good Source of Protein: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function. This salad provides a decent amount of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and filling meal or snack.
• High in Fiber: Chickpeas are also rich in dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting satiety. The fiber content in this salad helps you feel fuller for longer and supports a healthy digestive system.
• Source of Healthy Fats: While mayonnaise contributes to the fat content, it’s important to note that fats are necessary for overall health. Depending on the type of mayonnaise used, you can control the type of fat. Olive oil or avocado oil-based mayonnaises can provide healthier unsaturated fats.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Chickpeas and vegetables like celery and red onion contribute various vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Fresh dill also adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Lower in Sugar: Compared to many processed foods and some other salads that may contain added sugars, this Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is relatively low in sugar, relying on natural flavors from the ingredients.

Tips for Making it Healthier:

• Use Light or Vegan Mayonnaise: To reduce calories and fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol, you can opt for light mayonnaise or a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Vegan mayonnaise is often made from plant-based oils and can be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.
• Increase Vegetables: You can boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables. Consider including finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or cucumber for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Control Sodium: Choose low-sodium canned chickpeas and be mindful of the salt you add. Rinsing chickpeas thoroughly also helps reduce sodium content.
• Whole Wheat Bread or Lettuce Wraps: When serving as a sandwich, choose whole wheat bread for added fiber. For a lower-carb option, serve in lettuce wraps or on cucumber slices.

It’s important to remember that these are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Overall, Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is a nutritious and balanced option that can be a part of a healthy eating plan.

Preparation Time for Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

One of the many appeals of Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is its incredibly quick preparation time. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a healthy and delicious meal or snack without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. From start to finish, the active preparation time is minimal, making it a go-to recipe for busy individuals and families.

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Breakdown of Time:

• Prep Time (Rinsing and Mashing Chickpeas, Chopping Vegetables and Dill): 10-15 minutes. This is the most hands-on part of the recipe and involves rinsing and draining the chickpeas, mashing them (which is very quick), and chopping the celery, red onion, and fresh dill. If you’re efficient with chopping, this can be even faster.
• Mixing Time (Combining Ingredients and Seasoning): 5 minutes. Once all the ingredients are prepped, simply combining them in a bowl and mixing them together is very quick. Seasoning to taste may take a minute or two to ensure it’s just right.
• Chilling Time (Optional): 30 minutes to 1 hour (or longer). While chilling is optional, it is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, this is passive time; you don’t need to be actively doing anything while the salad chills in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step and enjoy it immediately.

Tips to Speed Up Preparation:

• Use Canned Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a huge time-saver compared to cooking dried chickpeas from scratch. They are pre-cooked and ready to use, significantly reducing preparation time.
• Efficient Chopping: Practice your knife skills to chop vegetables and herbs quickly and efficiently. Having sharp knives makes chopping faster and safer.
• Pre-chopped Vegetables (Optional): In a real pinch, you could use pre-chopped celery and red onion available in some supermarkets, although freshly chopped is always preferable for flavor and texture.
• No-Chill Option: If you are short on time, you can absolutely skip the chilling step and serve the salad immediately. It will still be delicious, though the flavors will meld together more deeply if chilled.

Why Quick Preparation Time Matters:

• Convenience: This recipe is incredibly convenient for quick lunches, light dinners, or last-minute side dishes.
• Healthy Eating Made Easy: It makes healthy eating accessible even on busy days, as you can whip up a nutritious and satisfying meal in just minutes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping for the week.

In conclusion, the Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is a champion of quick and easy recipes. Its minimal preparation time makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and time-efficient meal option. You can have a delicious and nutritious salad ready in under 20 minutes, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire.

How to Serve Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

The versatility of Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is truly remarkable. It’s not just a salad; it’s a culinary chameleon that can adapt to various serving styles and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying snack, or a flavorful side dish, this chickpea salad can be tailored to suit your needs. Here are some delicious and creative ways to serve it:

• As a Sandwich Filling: This is perhaps the most classic and popular way to enjoy chickpea salad.
  • On Bread: Spread a generous amount of creamy chickpea salad between slices of your favorite bread. Whole wheat, sourdough, or even multigrain bread work wonderfully. Add some lettuce, tomato slices, or sprouts for extra freshness and crunch.
  • In Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves, tortillas, or pita bread to create wraps filled with chickpea salad. Add other fillings like avocado slices, spinach, or bell pepper strips for a more substantial and flavorful wrap.
  • On Croissants or Rolls: For a slightly more elegant touch, serve the salad on mini croissants or soft rolls, perfect for brunch or a light lunch gathering.
• As a Cracker or Vegetable Dip: Serve the chickpea salad as a dip alongside crackers, vegetable sticks, or pita chips.
  • With Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers like whole grain crackers, rye crackers, or gluten-free options for dipping.
  • With Vegetable Sticks: Arrange a platter of fresh vegetable sticks such as carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, and snap peas for a healthy and refreshing snack.
  • With Pita Chips: Toasted pita chips provide a sturdy and flavorful base for scooping up the creamy chickpea salad.
• As a Salad Topping: Enhance your regular green salads by adding a scoop of chickpea salad on top.
  • Over Mixed Greens: Place a scoop of chickpea salad on a bed of mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or spinach. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and satisfying salad meal.
  • With Grain Bowls: Add a dollop of chickpea salad to grain bowls featuring quinoa, farro, or rice, along with roasted vegetables and other toppings for a hearty and nutritious bowl.
• Stuffed in Vegetables: Get creative by stuffing the chickpea salad into vegetables for a fun and healthy presentation.
  • Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out ripe tomatoes and fill them with chickpea salad for a refreshing and visually appealing appetizer or light lunch.
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut bell peppers in half, remove seeds, and fill them with chickpea salad for a colorful and flavorful stuffed pepper dish. You can even lightly bake them for a warm version.
  • Stuffed Celery Sticks: For a quick and crunchy snack, fill celery sticks with chickpea salad, creating a healthier and more interesting version of “ants on a log.”
• Alongside Other Dishes: Serve chickpea salad as a side dish to complement various meals.
  • With Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, or roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced vegetarian meal.
  • With Soups: Serve a spoonful of chickpea salad alongside a bowl of hearty soup, like tomato soup, lentil soup, or vegetable soup, for added protein and texture.
  • With Grilled Meats or Fish: While it’s a vegetarian dish, chickpea salad can also be a delightful side for grilled chicken, fish, or burgers, providing a refreshing and creamy contrast to the main course.
• On Toast: Elevate your toast with a layer of creamy chickpea salad.
  • Avocado Toast Topping: Spread mashed avocado on toast and top with a generous spoonful of chickpea salad for a superfood-packed and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
  • Simple Chickpea Salad Toast: Toast your favorite bread and simply spread the chickpea salad on top for a quick and easy snack or light meal.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is sure to be a hit. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, ready to be enjoyed in countless creative and satisfying ways.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

While the basic recipe for Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is already fantastic, there are always ways to elevate it further and tailor it to your specific tastes. Here are five additional tips to help you make the perfect chickpea salad every time:

1. Customize the Creaminess and Texture: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired level of creaminess. If you prefer a lighter salad, start with less mayonnaise and add more as needed until you reach the perfect consistency. For a chunkier texture, mash only about half of the chickpeas and leave the rest whole. Alternatively, for an ultra-smooth and creamy salad, you can use a food processor to pulse the chickpeas briefly, but be careful not to over-process them into a paste. Experiment to find your ideal texture and creaminess level.
2. Boost the Flavor Profile with Add-ins: The basic recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize the flavor profile by adding extra ingredients. Consider incorporating:
   • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeño for a spicy version.
   • Herby Freshness: Besides dill, try adding other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon for a more complex herbal flavor. A combination of dill and parsley is particularly lovely.
   • Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped), Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped), and a sprinkle of feta cheese (if not vegan) for a Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad.
   • Curry Flavor: Add a teaspoon of curry powder and a squeeze of lime juice for an Indian-inspired curried chickpea salad.
   • Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the salad.
3. Enhance the Acidity: Lemon juice is crucial for balancing the richness of the mayonnaise, but you can play with other acidic elements to enhance the flavor.
   • Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can add a different kind of tanginess.
   • Pickle Juice: A teaspoon of pickle juice (from dill pickles) can add a unique savory and tangy note that complements the dill and chickpeas beautifully.
   • Lime Juice: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus profile, especially if you’re going for a more Southwestern or Mexican-inspired flavor.
4. Make it Ahead and Store it Properly: Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often meld together and improve after a day in the fridge. When storing, ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving, and if it seems a bit dry after chilling, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or lemon juice to refresh its creaminess. It’s generally best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
5. Roast Your Chickpeas for a Nutty Flavor Boost (Optional): For an even deeper and nuttier flavor, consider roasting the chickpeas before mashing them. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until slightly crispy and golden. Let them cool completely before mashing and proceeding with the recipe. Roasted chickpeas add a wonderful depth of flavor and a slightly firmer texture to the salad. This step adds a bit of time, but the flavor payoff is worth it for chickpea enthusiasts.

By incorporating these additional tips, you can truly personalize your Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill and create variations that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process of making this versatile and delicious salad your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill

Here are five frequently asked questions about Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill to help you understand more about the recipe and address common concerns:

Q1: Is Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill vegan?

A: The standard recipe, as written, is not vegan because it typically uses mayonnaise, which is made with eggs. However, it is incredibly easy to make it vegan! Simply substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise. There are many excellent vegan mayonnaise brands available now, often made from soy, avocado oil, or olive oil. Using vegan mayonnaise will make the entire salad plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the ingredient list of your chosen mayonnaise to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.

Q2: Can I make Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes even better after it has been refrigerated for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can prepare the salad up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir. If it seems a little dry after chilling, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or lemon juice to restore its creamy texture. Making it ahead is perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or busy weeknights.

Q3: How long does Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill last in the refrigerator?

A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill will typically last for 3-4 days. It’s important to store it promptly after making it and keep it consistently refrigerated to maintain its freshness and safety. As with any perishable food, use your best judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as an off smell or change in texture. While it can last for several days, it’s generally best enjoyed within the first 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Q4: Can I freeze Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill?

A: Freezing Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill is generally not recommended. Mayonnaise-based salads, including chickpea salad, tend not to freeze well. The mayonnaise can separate and become watery or grainy upon thawing, altering the texture and overall appeal of the salad. The vegetables like celery and red onion may also become softer and lose their crispness after freezing and thawing. For the best quality and texture, it’s best to prepare the salad fresh or enjoy it within a few days of making it and store it in the refrigerator instead of freezing.

Q5: What are some variations of Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill?

A: There are many delicious variations you can try to customize your Creamy Chickpea Salad with Dill! Some popular variations include:

• Spicy Chickpea Salad: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Curried Chickpea Salad: Incorporate curry powder, turmeric, and a squeeze of lime juice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese (or vegan feta), and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Avocado Chickpea Salad: Add mashed avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats, and reduce the amount of mayonnaise if desired.
• Herby Chickpea Salad: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon, or cilantro in addition to or instead of dill.

These variations offer just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique and delicious versions of Creamy Chickpea Salad!

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