Description
A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean chickpea salad packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. This protein-rich salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (1 can) Chickpeas (canned)
- 1 whole Large cucumber
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Bell pepper
- 1/2 medium Red onion
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas – Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Chop Vegetables – Wash and dice cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice bell pepper into strips, and thinly slice red onion.
- Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine prepared chickpeas, diced vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 4: Make Dressing – In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Step 5: Dress and Mix – Pour dressing over salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the feta.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve – Allow salad to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Rinse chickpeas thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to help the dressing adhere better.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even flavor distribution in every bite.
- Add feta cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from breaking down.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually improves in flavor as it marinates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, protein-rich, Mediterranean diet, easy recipe