Imagine the sun-kissed coastlines of the Mediterranean, where vibrant colors and fresh, wholesome ingredients dance on your plate. This quick and healthy chickpea salad brings a burst of flavor and a hint of nostalgia — perhaps from that trip you took last summer, or maybe it’s just a dream of one. With a mix of crisp veggies and zesty lemon, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, energizing yet soothing, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a bustling weekday lunch.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the dressing in a large bowl; whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chickpeas, grape tomatoes, English cucumber, pickled red onions, and Kalamata olives to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the ingredients to ensure they’re evenly coated with the dressing.
- Incorporate the fresh herbs by adding parsley, dill, and mint to the salad. Gently toss again to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas)
- Grape tomatoes (preferably a mix of yellow and red)
- 1 English cucumber
- Pickled red onions
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh dill
- Fresh mint
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones?
- Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. You’ll need to cook them beforehand. Two cans of chickpeas are roughly equivalent to 3 cups of cooked chickpeas. Follow a guide on cooking dried beans for the best results.
- What can I substitute for pickled red onions if I don’t have time to pickle them?
- If you don’t have pickled red onions, sliced green onions can be a quick and easy substitute, adding a fresh and mild onion flavor to the salad.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This chickpea salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, if you’re preparing it more than a couple of hours in advance, consider adding the fresh mint just before serving to prevent it from wilting.
- Is it possible to add cheese to this recipe?
- Yes, if you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to add cheese to the salad. Crumbled feta cheese would complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- What are some variations I can try with this salad?
- You can customize this salad by adding different vegetables like diced red bell peppers or roasted red peppers. For more variety, consider incorporating blanched green beans, avocado, or even serving it over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: To save time on the day of preparation, consider chopping your cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge, and combine them with the other ingredients when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Customize with Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Red bell peppers, blanched green beans, or even avocado can add new flavors and textures to the salad.
- Add Fresh Mint Just Before Serving: If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, hold off on adding the fresh mint until just before serving. This will prevent the mint from wilting and keep it looking vibrant and fresh.
- Try Adding Cheese for Extra Flavor: For those who aren’t following a vegan diet, consider adding crumbled feta cheese for an additional layer of flavor. It complements the Mediterranean elements of the salad beautifully.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine all the salad ingredients.
- Citrus Juicer – To extract lemon juice efficiently for the dressing.
