Curried Chickpea Salad Sliders

Chickpeas: These are the main protein source and base of the salad, providing a hearty texture and nutty flavor.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.

Curry powder: A blend of spices that gives the salad its distinctive, aromatic flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy crunch that complements the creamy salad.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor.

Slider buns: Soft, small buns that are perfect for holding the chickpea salad and making it easy to eat.

When mashing the chickpeas, aim for a slightly chunky texture rather than a smooth paste. This will give your Curried Chickpea Salad Sliders a more satisfying bite and better mouthfeel. Additionally, to enhance the flavors, let the chickpea mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the sliders. This allows the curry powder and lemon juice to meld with the other ingredients, creating a more cohesive and flavorful filling.

• chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, while being lower in fat.

• curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala offers a different but complementary spice profile that can add depth to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a bit of color, which can be a good alternative.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor without the strong, polarizing taste of cilantro.

• slider buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb, gluten-free option while still providing a vessel for the salad.

• To store your curried chickpea salad sliders, first ensure the chickpea mixture is completely cooled. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep the slider buns fresh, store them separately in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the chickpea mixture. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month.
• When ready to use, thaw the chickpea mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before assembling your sliders.
• Avoid freezing the slider buns as they may become soggy upon thawing. Instead, purchase fresh buns when you're ready to serve.
• If you have leftover assembled sliders, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cilantro to the chickpea mixture after thawing.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
• If you prefer a crispy bun, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliders inside for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.
• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sliders in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the sliders in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly without drying out.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mash the chickpeas with other ingredients.

• Fork: Used to mash the chickpeas to the desired consistency.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the mayonnaise and chopped red onion accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the curry powder and lemon juice precisely.

• Chef's knife: For chopping the red onion and cilantro finely.

• Cutting board: A surface to chop the red onion and cilantro safely.

• Spoon: To mix the ingredients together and to spoon the chickpea mixture onto the slider buns.

• Slider buns: The bread to hold the curried chickpea salad mixture.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Save time by using pre-chopped red onion and cilantro from the store.

Mash chickpeas quickly: Use a food processor to mash the chickpeas in seconds.

Pre-make the mixture: Prepare the chickpea mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Toast buns together: Toast all slider buns at once in the oven to save time.

Use a measuring spoon: Quickly measure out curry powder and lemon juice with a measuring spoon.