Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful Chickpea Salad! Bursting with colorful ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, this salad combines protein-rich chickpeas with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Drizzled with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing and seasoned with dried oregano, salt, and pepper, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. Whether served as a refreshing side dish or a light and satisfying main course, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whip up a batch for your next picnic, barbecue, or weekday lunch, and let the flavors of the Mediterranean shine!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
-
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the salad ingredients. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Gently toss the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
-
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chickpea Salad as a nutritious side dish or light meal, perfect for warm weather gatherings or quick and easy weekday lunches!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
-
Chickpea Texture: For the best texture in this salad, ensure that the chickpeas are well-drained and rinsed before adding them to the mixing bowl. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the salad from becoming too mushy.
-
Feta Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality feta cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess. Consider using authentic Greek feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean taste, or try a vegan alternative for a dairy-free option.
-
Red Onion Tip: To mellow the sharp flavor of the red onion, soak the finely chopped onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to reduce the intensity of the onion flavor while still adding a delightful crunch.
-
Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. However, it's best to add the fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
