Name: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Chickpea Base: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas); Vegetables & Herbs: 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; ¼ cup black olives, sliced; Cheese: ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; Dressing: 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Description

A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Salad packed with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing. This protein-rich, vegetarian salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick and healthy lunch. Easily adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Chickpea Base:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas)
Vegetables & Herbs:
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
Cheese:
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the parsley.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chopped vegetables, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra parsley or feta, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Vegan Option: Omit feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Leafy Addition: Mix in arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeño.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: salad
Method: no cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, healthy chickpea salad, easy Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad recipe, protein-packed salad.