Mediterranean Chickpea Chopped Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy chickpeas, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Total: 20 minPrep: 20 minCook: 0 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (234+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1 In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- 2 In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- 3 Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- 4 Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Variations
- Add grilled vegetables for a smoky flavor.
- Swap feta for vegan feta for a dairy-free option.
Substitutions
- Use canned cannellini beans if chickpeas are unavailable.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
Pairings
- Grilled chicken
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
Nutrition
Calories:
320 kcal
Fat:
22 g fat
Carbs:
24 g carbohydrates
Protein:
8 g protein
Fiber:
7 g fiber
Sugar:
6 g sugar
Sodium:
450 mg sodium
Tips
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Letting the salad marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best served fresh but can be tossed again before serving.
Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables and feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Serve alongside warm pita bread for a delightful texture contrast.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just add the feta and parsley right before serving to keep them fresh.