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- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed - 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness - 1 medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 bell pepper (choose either red or yellow), finely diced - 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped for a zesty bite - 1/2 cup of kalamata olives, pitted and sliced for a briny touch - 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled for creaminess - 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, roughly chopped for vibrant color - 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil for richness - 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to enhance flavor - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste When you shop for this salad, look for bright colors. Choose firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. For bell peppers, pick ones without any blemishes. Fresh parsley should smell strong and look green. Select olives that feel heavy and have a good sheen. Feta cheese should be creamy and crumbly, not dry. Always check the expiration date on canned chickpeas for the best results. Each serving of Mediterranean chickpea salad contains about: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 8g - Carbs: 30g - Fiber: 7g - Fat: 12g - Sodium: 350mg This salad is packed with nutrients. The chickpeas give you protein and fiber. The veggies add vitamins and minerals. Feta cheese provides calcium, while olives offer healthy fats. It’s a tasty way to eat well! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rinse the chickpeas well. This removes extra salt and makes them taste better. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and chopped red onion. Stir gently so the ingredients mix well. Next, add the sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Fold these in carefully. You want an even mix of all the flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until it looks smooth. Pour this dressing over your salad. Use a spatula to toss everything gently. You want the dressing to coat all the salad well. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors blend together nicely. Before serving, taste it and add more salt or pepper if you wish. To make your Mediterranean Chickpea Salad shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness and a crunchier cucumber. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds brightness. Also, let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to mix well. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This adds depth and excitement to the dish. Serve your salad in a big, colorful bowl. This makes it visually pleasing. I love to add extra parsley on top for a pop of color. Pair it with some warm pita bread or grilled chicken for a full meal. You can also serve it alongside a light soup for a nice contrast. If you want a refreshing drink, consider iced tea or lemonade. You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. A large mixing bowl and a sharp knife are key. Use a cutting board for safe chopping. A whisk is handy for mixing the dressing smoothly. If you have a vegetable peeler, use it for the cucumber. It helps remove the skin if you prefer a softer texture. Lastly, a spatula is great for tossing the salad without breaking the ingredients. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest produce possible. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your salad. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, avocado, or even roasted vegetables for added richness. Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, dress it just before serving rather than letting it sit in the dressing for too long. {{image_4}} You can change this salad to fit your needs. If you want a vegan dish, skip the feta cheese. Instead, add avocado for creaminess. If you need a gluten-free salad, you’re already safe with chickpeas and veggies. Want to jazz it up? Try adding roasted red peppers. They bring a sweet, smoky flavor. You can also add artichoke hearts for a unique taste. For a crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or toasted nuts. They give a nice texture. This salad pairs well with many meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner. It also works great with pita bread or hummus for a fun lunch. Use it as a side dish for a barbecue, and your guests will love it! To keep your Mediterranean chickpea salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. Adding dressing too soon can make the salad soggy. Your salad will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of fresh veggies changes when frozen, leading to a mushy salad. If your salad seems dry after storing, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice. Toss gently to mix. This simple trick brings back the salad's fresh taste. Enjoy your leftovers just like the first time! To make this salad vegan, simply leave out the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. Another option is to use a vegan cheese. This keeps the salad rich and flavorful. You still get a delicious dish without any animal products. If you want a feta substitute, try using crumbled tofu. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Another choice is to add more olives for saltiness. Each option keeps your salad tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors mix. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. In this post, I covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for your dish. I shared how to select fresh ingredients and provided nutritional info per serving. You learned simple mixing steps and how to perfect the dressing. Plus, there are tips to enhance flavor and texture. I discussed storage best practices, helping you enjoy leftovers. Remember, customizing your salad makes it even better. Try new flavors and enjoy!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad packed with chickpeas, vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper finely diced (red or yellow)
  • 1 2 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 2 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 4 feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 4 fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
  • Next, fold in the sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley, ensuring a good distribution of each ingredient throughout the mixture.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until they emulsify into a smooth dressing.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and use a spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
  • Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes—this lets the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if desired.

Notes

For a visually appealing presentation, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl, adorned with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top. Add a few lemon wedges on the side to enhance the freshness and make the dish pop!
Keyword chickpeas, healthy, Mediterranean, salad