Chickpeas are an incredibly versatile ingredient and one that is super healthy! They are full of protein and do make a great alternative to meat or fish. One of the most common ways chickpeas are used is in salads, often accompanied by chopped vegetables.
It is a great dish to make in bulk if you are meal prepping, but if you make too much and need to store leftovers, is the freezer an option?
Can You Freeze Chickpea Salad?
Yes, you can freeze chickpea salad for up to 6 months. It really does depend on the ingredients you have in your salad, as you need to avoid dairy and egg-based dressings. But typically a chickpea salad can be frozen for a fair few months.
Do Does Chickpea Salad freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Chickpea Salad? No
How to Freeze Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is a fantastic filling for all kinds of dishes, such as wraps, sandwiches and baked potatoes. It is very nutritious and easy to make, so it can be a fantastic one to make as part of your weekly meal prep and then portion out for each day.
Follow the steps below to have the best frozen chickpea salad:
- Prepare
Make your chickpea salad according to your favourite recipe. Try using various vegetables and seasonings to make it even more delicious. - Portion
Scoop out your chickpea salad into individual portions. - Place in Containers
Using freezer safe, sturdy containers, spoon your potions into the containers and seal, ensuring that the containers are kept airtight. - Label
Write the contents and date of freezing on the container. This will help you determine the best use-by date. - Freeze
Place the containers into the freezer and freeze for up to 4 months.
3 Tips for Freezing Chickpea Salad
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing chickpea salad to have the best results:
Be Aware of Your Ingredients
Some chickpea salads will freeze better than others. Those using condiments such as mayonnaise may not last as long and there may be some textural damage as the mayonnaise separates.
Vary the Portion Sizes
The amount of salad you freeze per portion is based on what meal it will be used for. You will typically need more in a portion if it is going in a sandwich versus if it is a side dish.
Use Bags Or Containers
You can also use freezer bags to store your frozen chickpea salad if you are tight on space in your freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Chickpea Salad?
This really depends on the ingredients that are in the salad, but typically chickpea salad will last for around 4-6 months in the freezer. Salads using any dairy or egg-based condiments are best to be consumed sooner rather than later.
You Can Freeze Chickpea Salad for up to 6 Months
How Do You Defrost Chickpea Salad?
Defrosting chickpea salad is really easy, you just need a little bit of forward planning.
When you are planning a meal for your chickpea salad, all you need to do is remove the container or bag from the freezer and place it in the fridge. Leave it to thaw overnight and then use as if it has just been made fresh!
If you are tight on time, you can also use the microwave to defrost the salad even quicker. Some chickpea salads, especially the ones including mayonnaise, are really enjoyable when warm!
Can You Refreeze Chickpea Salad?
Ideally not, especially if it contains any kind of condiment. If your salad only contains chickpeas and chopped veggies, then it could be possible to refreeze, but you would have to be aware that the texture of the vegetables is at risk of becoming soggy.
Does Chickpea Salad Freeze Well?
Yes, chickpea salad is a great dish for freezing. Whilst it can last for a few days in the fridge, it will last for months in the freezer.
Freezing chickpea salad is a great way to ensure you have a healthy go-to meal at any time and, as long as you have planned some meals ahead of time, it does not take too much effort to defrost and prepare.
