Chickpea Salad
A refreshing, nutrient-packed Mediterranean-inspired Chickpea Salad featuring crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of chickpeas 15 oz each, rinsed and drained
- 1 large cucumber diced
- 2 medium tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- A handful of fresh parsley finely chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 avocado optional, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and red bell pepper. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
Mix the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the dressing is well balanced.
Combine the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly. If using, gently fold in the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted sunflower seeds.
Serve or Store:
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness or refrigerate in an airtight container. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain crisp texture.
Notes
- Storage Tip: To maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to enhance the salad by adding ingredients like diced avocado, chopped nuts, or extra seeds for added crunch and creaminess.
- Flavor Adjustments: Taste and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to suit your preference. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more.
- Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality, well-drained chickpeas is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your salad.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, mix the vegetables and chickpeas first, then toss with the dressing right before serving.