Introduction:
This Chickpea Salad is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor! With protein-packed chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or served as a side dish. Quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
⏲ Total Time: 10 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal (approx.)
🥗 Ingredients
- 🧆 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 🧅 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 🥒 1 cucumber, diced
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
- 🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
- 🧴 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro, if preferred)
- 🧀 Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese or avocado slices for creaminess
📝 Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the chickpeas, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss & Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (or cilantro) and optional feta cheese or avocado for extra richness.
- Chill (Optional):
- For even more flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Salad:
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a perfect balanced meal.
- Fresh & Crisp: The crunchy veggies and zesty lemon dressing make every bite refreshing and light.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required—perfect for a busy day.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, herbs, or proteins to make this salad your own!
💡 Tips:
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for added crunch.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or avocado for a more filling option.
- Storage: This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Enjoy your Chickpea Salad—a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion!