Salads > Grain & Legume Salads > Chickpea Salads > Spicy Chickpea Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A refreshing and healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, packed with flavor and nutrients. This salad features chickpeas, fresh vegetables, feta cheese (optional), and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect light meal or side dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) Chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 medium, diced Cucumber
  • 2 medium, diced Tomato
  • 1/2 medium, finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 medium, diced Bell Pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata Olives
  • 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional) Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh Mint
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 clove, minced Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs

Dice the cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced tomato, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, halved Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.

Dress and Serve

Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling enhances the taste significantly.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: This is an estimation and can vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if feta cheese is added.

Calories: Approximately 120-150
Protein: 5-7g
Fat: 7-9g
Carbohydrates: 10-12g
Fiber: 3-4g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. To lower the sodium content, rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly before using. Consider using low-sodium feta cheese if you are watching your salt intake.

FAQ

  • Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

    Yes! Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
  • Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?

    While fresh mint is preferred for its brighter flavor, you can use dried mint in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried mint for every 2 tablespoons of fresh mint.
  • How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

    This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the vegetables may become slightly softer over time.