A Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is the perfect balance of refreshing, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing, this salad is both satisfying and light. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and the richness of olives makes each bite feel like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean coast.
This salad is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep, whether as a main dish or a side to complement grilled meats or seafood. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a side dish at your next gathering, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely diced red onion. Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, chopped parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice or vinegar for extra tang.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all of the vegetables and chickpeas evenly.
- Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is not only healthy and vibrant but also incredibly easy to prepare. With fresh, bold ingredients and a tangy dressing, it’s the ideal way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean while getting a boost of fiber and protein from the chickpeas. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a light side dish.
