Chickpea Salad

There are few things a humble can of chickpeas can’t do. This chickpea salad is transformed into a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal. There’s crunch from fresh produce, a light lemon-driven dressing and the salty creaminess of feta to top it off.

Whip it up in just ten minutes to meal-prep healthy lunches throughout the week or as a side salad with dinner.

Feeling inspired? Check out some of our other chickpea salad recipes, like this garden chickpea salad and chickpea salad sandwich.

Chickpea Salad Ingredients

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• Olive oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil. It is less processed and has better flavor. It’s the best for making dressings or just drizzling on a slice of bread.
• Lemon juice: This adds some zest and brightness to the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and savory notes to the salad.
• Garbanzo beans: Otherwise known as chickpeas, these are rich in plant-based protein. Make sure the can you buy doesn’t include any extra salt; the feta itself is quite salty.
• Red onion: Red onion adds a little bite and crunch to your chickpea salad recipe.
• Cucumber: Refreshing, mild and crunchy, cucumber balances out the more savory, salty notes.
• Cherry tomatoes: These add a pop of color and juiciness.
• Feta cheese: Made from sheep’s milk (or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk), feta is salty, briny and, in my opinion, always necessary.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley adds fresh and herbal notes to this Mediterranean chickpea salad.

Directions

Step 1: Make the salad

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In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir in the chickpeas, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, feta and parsley.

Step 2: Let the flavors meld

Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Editor’s Tip: This chickpea salad tastes best if it’s refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.

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Chickpea Salad Variations

• Add more protein: Toss in some chicken breast, poached salmon or tofu to make the meal heartier and more filling.
• Dress it up: Quickly play with the flavor by using a red wine vinaigrette or a zippy Dijon vinaigrette.
• Add more mix-ins: Kalamata olives or fresh avocado can contribute some more brininess or creaminess to your salad.

How to Store Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

You can store chickpea salad in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.

Can you make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. This salad recipe is a great (and healthy!) make-ahead meal to keep in the fridge for meals throughout the week.

Chickpea Salad Recipe Tips

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Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yep! We recommend soaking the beans ahead of time to speed up their cooking time and make it easier to digest.

Are chickpeas the same as garbanzo beans?

Yes—the names are interchangeable. They have different origins but refer to the same thing.

Do I have to peel the cucumber?

Nope! As long as you rinse your cucumber, you can just chop it up and throw it in!