Description
Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers and Tomatoes is a refreshing, crunchy Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. This quick, healthy dish is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side salad.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, taking care not to mash the tomatoes or cucumbers.
- Rest the Salad: Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Add diced avocado, bell peppers, or olives for additional flavor and texture.
- Include grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein, turning it into a more substantial meal.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead for convenience; just store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and are best consumed within 3 days.
- For the best texture, add the feta cheese just before serving if preparing the salad in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
