Description
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a quick, vibrant, and healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing blended with classic Greek herbs. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite, this salad delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2-15 oz. cans chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (cut in ½)
- 1 small red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 4 small cocktail cucumbers (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz. black olives (sliced)
- 8 oz. Feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil (good quality)
Seasoning
- ½ tsp. oregano (dried)
- ½ tsp. basil (dried)
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. thyme (dried)
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the chickpeas, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl, ensuring the vegetables are properly prepared and sized as directed.
- Make Greek Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the dried oregano, basil, onion powder, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful Greek seasoning blend.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the combined salad ingredients. Sprinkle the Greek seasoning evenly on top, then use salad tongs to gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing and spices.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired, to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- This salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but fresh is best for maximum crunch and flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to add a handful of chopped fresh mint or dill for an extra herbal twist.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- The salad makes an excellent side for grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main.
