Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese. This salad is not only easy to make but also healthy, making it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at gatherings. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge.
How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into quarter-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
- 1/2 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad can be served as a main dish, especially when paired with a piece of grilled chicken or fish. It also works well as a side dish for barbecues or picnics. For the best flavor, serve it chilled after allowing it to sit in the fridge for a bit.
How to Store Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
To store the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, give it a quick toss before serving as the ingredients may settle.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Adjust the amount of feta and olives according to your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or spinach, for more variety.
- For added crunch, consider including some chopped bell peppers or radishes.
Variation
You can customize the salad by adding grilled chicken, tuna, or avocado for extra protein. Additionally, substituting the feta cheese with goat cheese can give it a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just be sure to store it in the fridge.
2. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This salad includes feta cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the cheese or using a vegan substitute.
3. What other dressings can I use?
While the olive oil and vinegar dressing is delicious, you can experiment with other dressings. A lemon-tahini dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette could work well, too.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into quarter-moons
- 1 piece red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
- 1/2 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into quarter-moons
- 1 piece red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
- 1/2 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives to taste
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
