Indian spiced Beetroot and chickpea salad | Chana chaat
Indian Spiced Beetroot and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant mix of healthy fresh ingredients like boiled chickpeas, beets, onions, cucumber,tomatoes, spices, and tangy flavors. Perfect as a light meal,appetiser, or a healthy snack, this Indian-style beets salad with chickpeas or popularly known kabuli chana chaat is packed with plant-based protein and refreshing flavours.
Jump to RecipeIndian Chaats
India is renowned for its diverse and flavorful chaats—vibrant street food dishes that blend healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables in the most delicious way. From crispy papri chaat to hearty moong dal chaat ,nutritious kala chana chaat and aloo tikki chaat creamy dahi bhalla chaat, every region brings its unique flavour twist with different chutneys and spices.
These dishes are not only bursting with flavor but also offer a balanced and nutritious meal.
I love recreating these variations at home, and the best part is that even kids enjoy having these—it’s a fun and tasty way to encourage healthy eating!
Our family favourite chaat is chana chaat or chickpeas salad. It is quick to make, nutritious, and packed with flavour.
Party food idea
This Spiced beets salad with chickpeas is one of my favorites to add to an evening or dinner party menu or get togethers. It’s always a hit with both grown-ups and kids.
If you’re planning your party menu, be sure to include this delicious, gluten-free, and vegan beet and chickpea salad or chana chaat. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that everyone will love!
Chana Chaat / Chana Chaat Salad with beets
Safed chana or Chickpeas, a staple in Indian households, are widely used in dishes like chhole (chickpea curry), and salads or chaats like chana chaat, kabuli chana salad, and aloo chana chaat.
Chana chaat, also known as chana salad or kabuli chana salad is a combination of boiled chickpeas (chana) or canned chickpeas with a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, tangy tamarind chutney (sauce) sauce, sometimes green chutney and aromatic spices.
The mix of chaat masala, black salt, and cumin powder along with fresh lemon/ lime juice gives it a signature zesty taste. Its aloo chana chaat variation, with the addition of potatoes, beetroot and pomegranate, adds a unique texture while keeping the essence of traditional Indian flavors.
Beetroot adds an earthy sweetness, balancing the bold flavors.
The variations with the addition of paneer, or haloumi make this a wholesome, protein-packed meal .
Ingredients and Substitutes for Spiced Beetroot and Chickpea Salad
Salad Ingredients
- Boiled or tinned Chickpeas – A great source of protein and fiber, chickpeas make this salad hearty and nutritious. There is always an option to substitute with black chickpeas, black beans or kidney beans if preferred.
- Beetroot (boiled/roasted) – I love beetroots, and love having them as salads. Beets add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to anything they are added to. Roasted beets give a deeper flavor, while boiled beets keep it light. They go perfectly in this salad and make a great combination with chickpeas.
- Red Onion – Enhances the salad with a sharp bite. Use red onion for mild sweetness or white onion for a stronger flavor. Shallots can also be used as a milder alternative.
- Cucumber – Brings freshness and crunch. English or Indian cucumber works best, but any variety can be used.
- Tomato (or baby tomatoes) – Provides juiciness and acidity. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet-tart balance, while regular diced tomatoes work perfectly.
- Pomegranate Seeds – A burst of sweetness and antioxidants. Traditionally this salad is served with pomegranate seeds, but it can be swapped with dried cranberries for a similar taste/ texture.
- Fresh Coriander/Parsley – Adds a fresh, herby note. I love fresh coriander and always feel a chaat is incomplete with it . However parsley is a milder substitute for those who find coriander too strong.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – These lend a very refreshing flavor. You can use dried mint too . If mint is unavailable, try basil for a different herbal touch.
Spices and Sauces
- Salt & Black Salt (optional) – Regular salt enhances flavors, while black salt adds an umami depth. Skip black salt if not available.
- Red chilli powder – This adds heat and a spicy kick. You can use chilli flakes instead. Adjust quantity based on preference.
- Chaat Masala – A tangy Indian spice mix that elevates the salad. Can be replaced with a mix of cumin, coriander, and amchur (dry mango powder).
- Cumin Powder – Adds warmth and depth. Substitute with garam masala or coriander powder for a different take.
- Black Pepper Powder – Enhances the spice profile. Can be swapped with red chili flakes or white pepper.
- Tamarind Sauce – The key to a tangy, sweet, and sour dressing. If unavailable you can leave this out, just increase the qty of lemon juice and add a bit of honey. Other good substitutes to add for a tangy flavour are amchoor (raw mango powder ), or diced raw mangoes.
- Fresh Lime Juice – freshly squeezed liles brightens up the salad. Lemon juice works just as well.
Optional Ingredients
- Diced Boiled Potatoes – Adds a comforting, starchy element. Sweet potatoes are a good alternative.
- Diced Paneer/Feta or halloumi- For extra protein and texture. Traditionally this recipe uses paneer but as per your taste ,preference and availability you can even use feta or diced pieces of halloumi to make this chickpea halloumi salad.
- Tofu – If you are prefer vegan you can add small diced pieces of tofu for taste, texture and added protein.
- Chopped Green chillies – Green chillies add both flavour and spice to this chaat. If you cannot tolerate the spice you can deseed and add them , ot totally skip adding chillies.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced beetroot, diced cucumber, onion, tomatoes.
Add paneer cubes/tofu, boiled potatoes, and chillies, if using.
Sprinkle all spices salt, black salt, red chilli powder , cumin powder, chaat masala, and black pepper.
Add tamarind sauce.
Drizzle with lemon juice.
Add the fresh chopped coriander/parsley and mint leaves.
Toss everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Add pomegranate seeds, and mix well.
Garnish with more chopped cilantro/ coriander and pomegranate seeds.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Card
Indian spiced Beetroot and chickpea salad | Chana chaat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for the beets salad with chickpeas
- 1 cup chickpeas/ or 1 can drained and rinsed Boiled / drained
- 1 cup diced beetroot (boiled/roasted)
- 1/2 cup small chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes / baby tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Few sprigs of washed and chopped fresh coriander/ Parsley
- Few sprigs of washed and chopped fresh mint leaves
Spices and Sauces
- 1 tsp Salt adjust as per taste
- 1/4 tsp black salt (optional)
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 cup tamarind chutney
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice / lemon juice adjust as per taste
- 1/4 tsp red chilli powder chilli flakes can be used (as per spice preference)
Optional ingredients
- 1/ 2 cup Diced boiled potatoes
- 1/2 cup Diced paneer / drained firm tofu
- 1-2 chopped green chillies/ red chillies ( depends on your spice preference)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, beetroots, cucumber, onion, tomatoes and pomegranate seeds.
- Add paneer cubes / tofu , boiled potatoes and chillies if using .
- Sprinkle salt, black salt, cumin powder, chilli powder , chaat masala , and black pepper.
- Add Tamarind sauce.
- Squeeze lemon juice .
- Add the fresh chopped coriander/ parsley and mint leaves
- Toss everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavours.
- Garnich with some pomegranate seeds, fresh coriander/ cilantro
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, on its own or with warm pita!
Notes
Beet salad with chickpeas variations-
- Avocado Chaat – Add diced avocado for a creamy twist and make chickpea avocado chaat.
- Boiled Egg Chaat – Include sliced boiled eggs for added protein.
- Black Chickpea Salad – Swap regular chickpeas with boiled kale chane (black chickpeas) or a can of black chickpeas for totally different texture and flavour. It tastes amazing though.
- Nutty Crunch – Toss in roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Fruity flavours – If you can get your hands on delicious ripe Indian mangoes / or just mangoes add dice them small and add them to this salad to make mango beets and chickpeas salad. They taste amazingly delicious.
Indian spiced Beetroot and chickpea salad Variations
- Avocado Chaat – Add diced avocado for a creamy twist and make chickpea avocado chaat.
- Boiled Egg Chaat – Include sliced boiled eggs for added protein.
- Black Chickpea Salad – Swap regular chickpeas with boiled kale chane (black chickpeas) or a can of black chickpeas for totally different texture and flavour. It tastes amazing though.
- Nutty Crunch – Toss in roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Fruity flavours – If you can get your hands on delicious ripe Indian mangoes / or just mangoes add dice them small and add them to this salad to make mango beets and chickpeas salad. They taste amazingly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This chaat is best had on its own as a light evening snack with a cup of hot jaggery masala chai or coffee. It is wholesome , filling and delicious.
However you can always enjoy this with warm pita bread to make it a meal.
Or pair it with grilled halloumi for a delicious chickpea and halloumi salad.
This can also be served with Indian meals like dal and roti , curries , rice as a salad or appetizers
Storage Tips
This Spiced beet salad with chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
Can you Freeze Beets and chana chaat?
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh vegetables, especially cucumber, tomatoes, and pomegranate seeds, may lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. Additionally, the herbs like mint and coriander can wilt and lose their vibrant flavor. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this salad fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
More Street foods/Salads / chaats on the blog
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