Jamaican Mango Chickpea Salad

Name: Jamaican Mango Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Healthy Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love this Jamaican Mango Chickpea Salad! It brings together a delightful combination of fresh flavors from the tropics, with juicy mangoes and hearty chickpeas. I created this recipe to brighten any meal, with a bit of spice and a lot of color. Every bite showcases the vibrant ingredients and captures the essence of summer. Whether I'm making it for a family gathering or just as a lunch for myself, it never fails to impress with its ease and zest. Perfectly refreshing for those warm days!

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:40:52.304Z

When I first tried a mango salad in Jamaica, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors that danced in my mouth. Inspired by that experience, I decided to recreate it in my kitchen, adding chickpeas for protein and texture. The trick is to use perfectly ripe mangoes; they add sweetness that balances the spiciness of fresh cilantro and lime. The dressing, a simple mix of lime juice and a dash of honey, pulls everything together.

As I made this salad for a picnic last summer, I realized how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish, add grilled chicken for a light meal, or enjoy it on its own. I like to chill it for a little while before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s like bringing a piece of Jamaican sunshine into every bowl!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with tropical flavors that refresh the palate
High in protein and fiber thanks to the chickpeas
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days

Ingredient Highlights

The star of this Jamaican Mango Chickpea Salad is undoubtedly the ripe mango, which adds a natural sweetness and juiciness that contrasts perfectly with the savory flavors of the chickpeas and vegetables. When choosing a mango, look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure; this indicates ripeness. The vibrant orange flesh should be fragrant, indicating its natural sugars have developed fully, resulting in a more flavorful salad.

Chickpeas not only provide a hearty texture but also contribute significant protein and fiber, making this salad a filling option for a light lunch or a side dish. If you're in a pinch or want to incorporate more legumes, canned chickpeas are convenient and save time. Just make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium and the canning liquid, which can affect the salad's flavor.

Preparation Tips

When preparing your salad, the way you chop the vegetables can impact the overall presentation and flavor distribution. Dice the mango and red bell pepper into roughly equal-sized pieces, about half an inch. This ensures even bites, combining the flavors beautifully. Finely chopping the red onion releases its essential oils, adding a sharpness that balances the sweetness of the mango. If raw onion is too pungent for your taste, soaking the chopped pieces in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow the flavor.

Mixing the dressing is a breeze, but whisking it together in a small bowl integrates the lime juice and honey (if used) effectively. I recommend starting with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then tasting before adding more. Lime juice can vary in intensity, so adjust seasoning based on your preference and the tartness of your limes. This step is crucial; a well-balanced dressing can elevate the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make a vibrant salad:

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 ripe mango, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all these ingredients for a tropical delight!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.

Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Ensure all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. Enjoy!

This salad is great for meal prep or as a refreshing side dish!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add avocado for creaminess or switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand. This salad can be customized endlessly!

Serving Suggestions

This Jamaican Mango Chickpea Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a stand-alone dish, a side, or even a topping for tacos or grilled chicken. Consider pairing it with grilled fish for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside cooked quinoa or brown rice, which can absorb the dressing and complement the chickpeas nicely.

If you want to add more texture and flavor, try tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds. These additions provide a delightful crunch and nutty taste that balances the softness of the mango and chickpeas. Additionally, a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add creaminess and tang, enhancing the overall profile of the salad.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the great things about this salad is that it can be prepared ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delightful. If making it for meal prep, store the dressing separately until ready to serve to maintain the salad's crispness.

For storage, this salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, if you find that the ingredients start to lose their texture over time, here’s a quick solution: add a splash of fresh lime juice and gently toss before serving to revive the flavors and freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?

Canned mango can work, but fresh mango provides a better texture and flavor.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is vegan and has plenty of plant-based protein from the chickpeas.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after the flavors have melded together in the fridge.