This easy-to-make chickpea salad recipe is the perfect mix of simple items that come together to create a symphony of tastes and textures. Not only is it full of nutrients, but it also gives you a lot of ways to change it to fit your tastes.
The chickpea, a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, is the star of this dish. Chickpeas are the base of our salad. They are full of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients, and they make a filling, hearty bite. Fresh vegetables, a tangy vinaigrette, and herbs are some of the other things that make this dish a lively mix of tastes.
Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium red onion finely chopped
- 1 handful fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 handful fresh mint finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Feta cheese optional
Instructions
- Combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- If desired, crumble some feta cheese over the top before serving.
Variations to Try
- Greek Twist: Add some sliced kalamata olives, swap parsley with dill, and sprinkle a generous amount of feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired version of the chickpea salad.
- Spicy Chickpea Salad: Add a minced jalapeno or sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick that can jazz up your meal.
- Protein-Packed Salad: Mix in some grilled chicken or boiled eggs for an extra protein boost, making this salad a complete, balanced meal.
- Vegan Chickpea Salad: Skip the feta cheese, or replace it with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
This Chickpea Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a versatile, nutritious, and delicious meal that you can change in any way you like. It’s great for busy mornings when you want a quick, healthy, and tasty meal. Whether you stick to our basic recipe or try one of the fun variations, you’ll have a delicious lunch.
Enjoy!
