Chickpea Salad
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, perfect as a side dish or light main.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 ounces each), rinsed and drained, hearty protein-rich base
- Cucumber: 1 large, diced, adds crunch and freshness
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups halved, juicy bursts of sweetness
- Red Onion: 1/2 medium finely chopped, sharp bite for balance
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium diced, sweet crunch and color
- Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup chopped, bright herbal flavor
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, smooth richness for dressing
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, tangy freshness
- Garlic: 1 clove minced, adds depth
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavors
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, gentle spice
- Feta Cheese (optional): 1/2 cup crumbled, creamy salty accent
- Preheat Your Equipment: No oven needed, just grab a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper into a dressing.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour dressing over chickpea mixture and toss until well coated.
- Cook to Perfection: Let salad rest 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 hours for flavors to meld.
- Finishing Touches: Top with crumbled feta if using.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish into bowls and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Meal Prep: Store dressing separately if making ahead, toss before serving.
- Herb Boost: Add dill, cilantro, or basil for variation.
- Onion Tip: Soak chopped onion in cold water to mellow sharpness.
- Storage: Keeps well in fridge up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: chickpea salad, garbanzo bean salad, mediterranean salad, protein salad, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe