Description
A vibrant and refreshing Quick Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta, packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, this nutritious salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or easy side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2-15 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 English cucumber, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 2 cups yellow and orange bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced in half
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs (mint and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Dressing: In a small spouted cup or mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and blended.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any canning liquid. Place them into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped English cucumber, finely diced red onion, diced yellow and orange bell peppers, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped avocado, and freshly chopped herbs such as mint and basil.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons to ensure that the dressing evenly coats every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a light meal or side dish, or allow to chill briefly in the refrigerator to enhance the melding of flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, add the avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
- The salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian friendly.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
