Marinated Bean Jar Series Part 4: This One’s for the Pickle People
These Spicy Dill Pickle Marinated Chickpea Jars take everything good about a dill pickle and turn it into a crunchy, high-protein, high-fibre lunch because apparently both of those things are mandatory these days and I’ve got you friends.
Chickpeas, pickles, cucumber, banana peppers, fresh dill, and feta are all tossed in a tangy pickle brine vinaigrette that marinates every bite with bright, briny flavour.
Plus we’re eating it with chips (I am anyway), and if that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.
my pro tips for making the best ever spicy dill pickle marinated chickpea jars
The Overnight Advantage: this is delicious right away… but even better the next day. The chickpeas absorb the pickle brine dressing and become even more delish.
Crunch Insurance: if you’re making these several days ahead, reserve a handful of diced cucumber or celery and stir it in just before serving for an extra burst of freshness and crunch.
The Pickle Lover’s Upgrade: for the super serious pickle lovers… add an extra handful of chopped pickles and a splash more pickle brine right before eating.
The Heat Hack: these are not incredibly spicy as written because I’m a girl who likes a little heat but not a five alarm house fire in my mouth. So if you’re a big spice lover may I recommend you slice up a fresh jalapeño and add it in? And then tell me all about it.
Scroll past the recipe if you’re looking for tips, substitutions, questions, etc. and details on how to make this recipe, but if you want to get straight to it, here’s my recipe-ish…
Spicy Dill Pickle Marinated Chickpea Jars
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dill pickles diced
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/3 cup sliced banana peppers
- 1/3 cup celery finely diced
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 tsp whole yellow mustard seeds
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp pickle brine
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl combine the pickle brine, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
Assemble the salad
- Add the chickpeas, pickles, cucumber, banana peppers, celery, dill, red onion, feta, dill and mustard seeds to a large jar or bowl.
- Pour the dressing over top and toss until everything is well coated.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate before serving.
recipe substitutions and variations
The Protein Boosted Version: add chopped grilled chicken, crumbled tofu or a can of tuna for a higher-protein version.
The Vegan Version: leave the feta out and substitute agave for the honey.
The Herby Version: fresh parsley works beautifully alongside the dill, so if you happen to have some in the fridge throw in a big handful.
serving suggestions
My Style: a bowl of this and a pita chip shovel and I am a very happy camper, but also consider…
The Pickle Picnic: serve alongside sliced turkey, cheese, crackers, and extra pickles for a grown-up snack plate situation.
The Salad Situation: pile the marinated chickpeas over a big bowl of arugula or baby spinach. The dressing becomes your salad dressing.
That’s a Wrap: stuff the chickpea mixture into a wrap or a pita pocket with extra lettuce and maybe cheese… for an easy lunch on the go.
storing leftovers and make-ahead details for these spicy dill pickle marinated chickpea jars
To Store: this will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make-Ahead: I recommend making this at least 2 hours ahead, but overnight is even better.
The Fresh Factor: if you’re eating this on Day 4, add a little fresh dill and cucumber before serving to wake everything back up.
The Shake Before Eating Rule: give the jar a quick shake or stir before serving since some of the dressing will settle at the bottom.
If you’re enjoying this series, be sure to try the Lemony Marinated Chickpea Crunch Jars, Mediterranean Marinated Lentil Jars, and Marinated White Bean Tomato Basil & Bocconcini Jars.
Each one has its own personality, but they’re all packed with protein, fibre, and enough flavour to make lunch something pretty darn exciting.
Don’t forget to drop a comment and rate the recipe below – it helps me out so much! And if you post this recipe, tag me over on Instagram @thepyperskitchen so I can see your amazing eats.
