Print

Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

fresh mediterranean chickpea salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Mediterranean chickpea salad bursting with fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for summer potlucks, light lunches, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (seedless if possible)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

  1. Open the can of chickpeas, pour into a colander, rinse thoroughly under cold water for 30 seconds, then let drain completely.
  2. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion (after soaking), and pit and halve the Kalamata olives.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta cheese if using. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle chopped parsley and mint over the salad and lightly toss again to distribute the herbs.
  6. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinse canned chickpeas well to reduce metallic flavor. Soak red onion in cold water to mellow sharpness. Let salad rest before serving to meld flavors. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese. Add toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for extra crunch and heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, easy summer salad, healthy chickpea salad, zesty salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-salad-ideas-for-summer/