Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish full of wholesome ingredients and bright flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or a side, it combines crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and a zesty dressing for a satisfying salad that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely sliced)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped, optional)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional, omit for vegan)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 pinch salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top after tossing the salad.
5. Step 5: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
6. Step 6: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor if available.
• Serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of greens for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the feta cheese separate if you want to maintain its texture. When ready to eat, stir the salad again and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this salad?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using to reduce sodium and improve flavor.

How long does the salad keep in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh for about 3 days when refrigerated. After that, the vegetables may become softer and the flavors may change.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Salad combining protein-rich chickpeas with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, and easily customizable with optional feta cheese.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely sliced)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped, optional)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional, omit for vegan)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 pinch salt and pepper (to taste)

---

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Add Feta Cheese: If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top after tossing the salad to maintain its texture and flavor.
5. Chill and Marinate: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or light meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• Omit feta cheese to make the salad vegan.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
• The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance the taste.
• Add additional herbs like dill or basil to customize the salad further.
• Serve with pita bread or as a topping for greens for a heartier meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, chickpea recipe, summer salad, Mediterranean diet