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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutritious dish perfect for warm-weather days. Combining protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, this colorful salad is quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for meal prep or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve texture. Drain well before use.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and parsley, and pit the Kalamata olives if necessary. Aim for bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing emulsifies into a bright, flavorful blend.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, olives, and parsley with the dressing. Once evenly coated, crumble in the feta cheese and give a final light stir.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lacks brightness.
  • Drain chickpeas thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Pre-chill your serving bowl to keep the salad fresh longer on warm days.
  • Let the salad rest to enhance flavor melding and soften the onions slightly.
  • Add the feta cheese last to maintain its crumbly texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, summer salad, vegetarian, gluten free, easy salad recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/mediterranean-chickpea-salad/