Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This salad is an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber, thanks to the chickpeas, while the fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals. The Kalamata olives and crumbled feta bring a salty tang, complemented beautifully by the freshness of the herbs and the zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it's perfect for warm weather dining or a healthy lunch.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Ingredients

▪️ 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
▪️ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
▪️ 1 cup cucumber, sliced
▪️ ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
▪️ ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
▪️ 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
▪️ ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
▪️ Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint, or a mixture), chopped
▪️ 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
▪️ Juice of 1 fresh lemon
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and chopped fresh herbs.

Step 2: Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients together to combine.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well-emulsified.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Overview of Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Category	Details
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	None
Servings	4 servings
Nutritional Information	Protein: 8g, Carbohydrates: 22g, Fats: 14g
Energy	963 kJ (230 cal)
Main Ingredients	Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, romaine lettuce
Sauce Ingredients	Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper
Cooking Method	Mixing
Meal Categories	Lunch, Dinner, Light Meals
Key Flavors	Savory, tangy, fresh
Texture	Crunchy, creamy
Dietary Information	Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Allergen Information	Contains dairy (feta cheese)
Storage Tips	Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Serving Suggestions	Great when served with grilled chicken or fish, or alongside hummus and pita bread

Fun Facts about Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

▪️ Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is rich in plant-based protein and fiber due to the chickpeas, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians.
▪️ The Kalamata olives used in the salad are a staple in Greek cuisine and are known for their rich, fruity flavor.
▪️ Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty flavor, which pairs well with the fresh vegetables and herbs.