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Fresh Vibrant Chickpea Salad

fresh vibrant chickpea salad - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad bursting with fresh veggies, herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain chickpeas under cold water for about 30 seconds. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Dice the cucumber into small, even cubes (about 1/2-inch). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and roughly chop the parsley and mint leaves.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until well coated.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  6. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinse chickpeas well to remove tinny flavor and excess sodium. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes for best flavor. If tomatoes are very juicy, drain excess liquid before adding. For vegan version, omit feta or substitute with vegan cheese or nuts. Fresh herbs are key for vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea salad, Mediterranean salad, easy salad recipe, healthy lunch, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad