![- 2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional, can substitute with lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste The fresh ingredients in this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad create a vibrant dish. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor and texture. Chickpeas are the star of the show. They are packed with protein and fiber. They give the salad a hearty feel. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of color. Cucumbers bring a nice crunch. The red onion adds a sharp bite, while Kalamata olives offer a rich, briny flavor. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture and salty taste. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a pop of green and brightens the dish. For the dressing, olive oil is key. It ties all the flavors together. Red wine vinegar, or lemon juice, adds tanginess. Dried oregano gives a hint of Mediterranean flair. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes in the salad. You can find the full recipe [here]. Enjoy making this healthy and flavorful dish! - Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rinsed chickpeas, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Mix them well. This blend gives your salad a fresh base. - Step 2: Add in 1/2 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives, along with 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The olives add a salty punch, while the feta brings in creaminess and flavor. - Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (or lemon juice if you prefer), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will tie all the flavors together. - Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together. Ensure that all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. This step is key for a tasty salad. - Step 5: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop. - Step 6: For serving, use a colorful bowl. Garnish with a few whole olives and a sprinkle of parsley on top for that enticing look. Drizzle with more olive oil if you like. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For the full recipe, check out Mediterranean Chickpea Delight. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. This way, the flavors stay fresh. I recommend using a large, colorful bowl. It makes the dish look inviting. For garnishes, add whole olives and a sprinkle of parsley on top. This adds a nice touch. If you want to change things up, try adding different ingredients. For a vegan option, leave out the feta cheese. You could also use avocado for creaminess. If you need more protein, add grilled chicken or tofu. Extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots can boost nutrition too. To deepen the flavor, let the salad marinate for a bit. Ten to fifteen minutes is perfect. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like it tangy, add more vinegar or lemon juice. If you want it richer, drizzle in more olive oil. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Chickpea Delight. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better by adding avocado. The creamy texture of avocado pairs well with the crunch of chickpeas. Just dice one ripe avocado and fold it into the salad. Another great idea is to include roasted vegetables. Roasting brings out sweet flavors. Try adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini for a warm twist. This adds depth and makes each bite exciting. Different spices can change the taste of your salad. Consider adding za'atar, sumac, or harissa for a unique flavor. These spices add warmth and a hint of spice that enhances the dish. You can also switch up the cheese. Feta is great, but you might like goat cheese or even halloumi. Each cheese brings its own flair, so feel free to experiment! If you're vegan, leave out the cheese and use a plant-based dressing. You can still enjoy the flavors without losing anything. For those needing gluten-free options, this salad is perfect as is. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this dish without worry! Store your Mediterranean Chickpea Salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh longer. Place the salad in the fridge within two hours of making it. To avoid sogginess, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. You can mix it in just before serving. You can freeze Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, put it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. After thawing, add fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil to restore some flavor and texture. In the fridge, expect the salad to last about three to five days. Look for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or changes in color. If the salad appears mushy or watery, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! For the Full Recipe, check back to get all the details on making this tasty dish. How to make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad vegan? To make this salad vegan, simply leave out the feta cheese. You can also replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty without dairy. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender. This adds a nice texture to your salad. What are the health benefits of chickpeas? Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber. They help promote fullness and support digestive health. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, like iron and magnesium. Caloric breakdown of ingredients in the salad The salad has about 200 calories per serving. Most of the calories come from chickpeas and olive oil. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Chickpeas: 120 calories - Olive oil: 120 calories - Feta cheese: 50 calories - Vegetables: 30 calories How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe yields about 4 servings. It’s a great side dish or a light meal option. Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering? Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is easy. Just keep the ratios the same, and you’ll have enough salad for everyone. Enjoy sharing this tasty dish! This blog taught you how to make a tasty Mediterranean Chickpea Salad using fresh and easy ingredients. You learned the steps to prepare, dress, and serve this colorful dish. We also shared tips on substitutions and storage for leftovers. My final thought is this salad is not just healthy; it’s also fun to make and customize. Enjoy your cooking, and remember to have fun while experimenting with different flavors!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6cea8dae-d424-4abc-9c3d-db8624b264f6-250x250.webp)
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Chickpea Delight that's perfect for any occasion! Packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and feta, this delicious salad is easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes. Toss everything in a zesty dressing for a refreshing dish you'll love. Click through to learn the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table today!