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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Feta Cheese: If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top after tossing the salad to maintain its texture and flavor.
- 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.
- 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
