Mediterranean chickpea salad

This Mediterranean chickpea salad combines fresh vegetables, chickpeas, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, offering a light, nutritious dish perfect for lunch or as a side. Its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal addition to any meal.

10 Feb 2026
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1/3 can canned chickpeas
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup feta cheese
2 tbsp olives
1 red onion
1 red pepper
1 cucumber
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp mustard
Mediterranean chickpea salad

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Featuring a combination of chickpeas, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, it's perfect as a healthy lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner. Packed with flavors and easy to prepare, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the red pepper and cucumber, then add them to the bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl as well.
2. Add Protein and Garnish:
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly.
- Add the chickpeas to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.
- Include the crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives for extra flavor and texture.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and mustard.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and emulsified.
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives.
- Toss everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the Mediterranean chickpea salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

With its colorful medley of ingredients and delightful flavors, this Mediterranean chickpea salad is not only pleasing to the eye but also satisfying and nutritious. It's a dish that you can prepare in advance and enjoy on the go, making it perfect for busy lifestyles. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of Mediterranean cuisine with every bite!

Mediterranean chickpea salad FAQ:

How long can I store Mediterranean chickpea salad in the fridge?

You can store Mediterranean chickpea salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute fresh chickpeas for canned in this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh cooked chickpeas instead of canned. Generally, about 1/2 cup of dried chickpeas will yield 1 cup cooked, which is ideal for this recipe.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also omit it for a vegan version.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat to the salad, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the salad or dressing.

What type of olives should I use for this salad?

Kalamata olives are a great choice for Mediterranean chickpea salad due to their rich flavor. However, green olives or black olives can also work well.

Tips:

- For added texture, consider lightly roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the salad. This can also enhance their flavor.

- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious taste.

- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste instead of fresh garlic cloves.

- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor.

- If you're preparing this salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste - you may want to add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 90kcal
Protein 4.30g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2.44g
Sugar 3.53g
Fat 14g

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