Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad bursting with vibrant vegetables, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, dressed in a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this healthy salad is simple to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 mini cucumbers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 3.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove any canning liquid, then add them to a large salad bowl.
- Chop Vegetables: Chop the mini cucumbers, red onion, and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with chickpeas.
- Add Herbs and Olives: Finely chop the fresh oregano and parsley. Combine the chopped herbs and kalamata olives with the other ingredients in the bowl.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad mixture evenly to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season and Serve: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For an extra punch, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated; the flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can substitute in a pinch (reduce quantity accordingly).
- Serve with warm pita bread or as a side to grilled meats for a complete Mediterranean meal.
