Print

Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

fresh mediterranean chickpea salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Mediterranean chickpea salad featuring fresh herbs, lemony dressing, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for light meals and healthy eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, diced (Persian or English cucumber preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (flat-leaf preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander under cold running water. Let drain for about 2 minutes.
  2. Dice half a medium cucumber into small cubes (about 1/4 inch). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely dice the red onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes if a milder flavor is desired. Chop the parsley and mint.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, and Kalamata olives. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to mash the chickpeas.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently toss once more to incorporate.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Drain chickpeas well to avoid watery salad. Chop herbs just before mixing to keep flavors fresh. For a dairy-free version, omit feta or use vegan cheese. The salad tastes best after resting for at least 15 minutes. Avoid overmixing to keep chickpeas intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, fresh herbs, lemon dressing, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-meals-ideas/