Introduction
In the mood for something refreshing, healthy yet satisfying? Look no further than this Fresh & Zesty Chickpea Salad. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a variety of textures, this chickpea salad has all you need for a light lunch or a perfect side dish to any meal.
Why Make This Recipe
With just a 10-minute total preparation time and packed full of nutritious ingredients, this chickpea salad is an ideal choice for quick meal prep or last-minute dinner plans. It’s not only great tasting but also loaded with vitamins and fiber from chickpeas, vegetables and fresh herbs.
How to Make Fresh & Zesty Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
– 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You may adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
4. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Fresh & Zesty Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is a superstar on its own, perfect for a nutritious and quick lunch. However, it can also shine as a side dish paired with any of your favorite proteins.
How to Store Fresh & Zesty Chickpea Salad
Store chickpea salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days.
Tips to Make Fresh & Zesty Chickpea Salad
Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well before adding them to the salad. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Variation (if any)
For a vegan version, the crumbled feta cheese can be omitted or a vegan cheese substitute used.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned ones?
A: Absolutely. If using fresh chickpeas, ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the salad.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
A: Definitely. This salad is very flexible. You can add a variety of vegetables such as capsicums, shredded cabbage, or even avocados.
Q: What can I use instead of feta cheese?
A: If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to substitute it with another type of cheese like goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a vegan cheese.