Name: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and colorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Packed with healthy ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also simple to make. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a quick snack.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this salad is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. Chickpeas are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, while fresh veggies add vitamins and minerals. The bright lemon vinaigrette brings everything together, offering a burst of flavor. Plus, this salad is quick to prepare—ideal for anyone with a busy schedule.

How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

You can serve this salad on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

How to Store Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Due to the nature of the ingredients, it’s best to eat it within a couple of days for optimal taste and texture.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

For extra flavor, consider adding some feta cheese or avocado.
Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes.
If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variation

This salad is quite versatile. You can easily swap out the chickpeas for other beans like black beans or kidney beans for a different taste. You could also add or replace any of the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Just be sure to soak and cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the salad.

2. How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan, as it does not contain any animal products.

3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. However, you may want to add the lemon vinaigrette closer to serving time to keep the salad fresh.