Description
This easy and refreshing chickpea salad combines protein-packed garbanzo beans with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a healthy lunch or a flavorful picnic side, it features a vibrant mix of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, pickled red onions, and fresh herbs for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups mixed yellow and red grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, plus whole mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Add the salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked chickpeas, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, pickled red onions, and kalamata olives. Toss everything gently to coat the vegetables and legumes evenly with the dressing.
- Add fresh herbs: Incorporate the chopped parsley, dill, and mint into the salad. Toss again to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season and serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with whole fresh mint leaves and serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use canned chickpeas to save time; just rinse and drain before using.
- Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch but can be substituted with thinly sliced red onions if unavailable.
- For added protein, you can include crumbled feta cheese if not strictly vegan.
- Serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
