Go Back
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cucumber - 1/2 red onion - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives - 1/4 cup feta cheese For this Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, the main ingredients are simple and fresh. Chickpeas serve as the base. They add protein and fiber, making the salad filling. I love using cherry tomatoes because they burst with flavor. The cucumber adds a nice crunch. Red onion provides a sharp bite, while Kalamata olives bring a salty touch. Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang. - Juice of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is quick and easy. Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. Olive oil adds richness, and oregano brings an earthy taste. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. - Fresh parsley - Whole olives For a pop of color, I like to add fresh parsley. It also adds a fresh taste. Whole olives make a lovely garnish, too. They enhance the Mediterranean vibe of the dish. - Rinsing and draining chickpeas: Start by opening the can of chickpeas. Pour them into a colander and rinse under cold water. This step removes excess salt and makes the chickpeas taste fresh. Let them drain well before using. - Chopping vegetables: Next, grab your fresh veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber. Finely chop the red onion. Each vegetable adds color and crunch to your salad. - Crumbling feta cheese: Take your block of feta cheese and crumble it into small pieces. This adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. Make sure you have about 1/4 cup ready for mixing. - Combining lemon juice, olive oil, and spices: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one lemon. Add three tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Whisking for even consistency: Use a whisk or fork to mix everything well. The dressing should blend into a smooth mixture. This will coat your salad and enhance the flavors. - Mixing the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. - Tossing with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together. Make sure all ingredients get a nice coat of that zesty dressing. - Final addition of parsley: Chop two tablespoons of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss. This adds freshness and a pop of color. Now, let your salad sit for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to mix together well. Enjoy your fresh and easy Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad! Letting the salad sit for a few minutes helps the flavors mix. This gives the dressing time to soak into the chickpeas and veggies. If you want a brighter taste, add more lemon juice. This will boost the salad’s freshness and make it even more delicious. You can serve this salad in a large bowl. It looks great and is easy to share. If you want individual servings, try using small mason jars. They are fun and perfect for picnics. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or warm pita bread. The flavors complement each other nicely. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers. They add color and crunch to your salad. You can also swap out the feta cheese for a dairy-free option if needed. This keeps the salad tasty and friendly for many diets. {{image_2}} You can turn this salad into a grain bowl by adding quinoa or bulgur. These grains give your meal more texture and make it filling. Cook the quinoa or bulgur according to the package instructions. Mix the cooked grains with the chickpeas and veggies. This choice adds a nice nutty taste and boosts the nutrition in your meal. For a protein boost, mix in grilled chicken or more chickpeas. Grilled chicken adds a savory flavor. If you want more plant-based options, use extra chickpeas. Both choices make the salad heartier. Just chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the mix. It is a simple way to make the dish more satisfying. You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese. There are many dairy-free cheese options that taste great. Just find one that melts well or crumbles nicely. This keeps the salad creamy without using animal products. You can still enjoy all those fresh flavors while sticking to your vegan diet. To keep your Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and keeps the salad crunchy. Placing it in the fridge is key. The cold slows down spoilage and keeps the veggies crisp. How long will the salad last? If stored properly, this salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage. If the salad smells off or the veggies look slimy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you want to refresh the flavors, add a touch more lemon juice and olive oil. This dish works well for meal prep. You can pack it for lunch, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead of time. To do this, chop your veggies and mix them with the chickpeas. Leave out the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to toss in the dressing before serving. This way, the flavors will shine through. If you don't have Kalamata olives, you can use other types. Green olives work well as a substitute. You could also try black olives for a milder taste. If you want a different flavor, capers can add a nice salty kick. Just pick what you like best! Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients listed are safe for those avoiding gluten. The chickpeas, veggies, and feta cheese have no flour or grains. This makes it a great option for everyone, including those with gluten sensitivity. Enjoy this fresh salad worry-free! This blog covered an easy and tasty salad recipe. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step prep, and flavor tips. Enjoy customizing the salad to fit your taste. Remember to store it properly for the best shelf life. This salad is not only healthy but fit for any meal. Try it out and see how you can make it your own. Your kitchen will thank you!

Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Looking for a quick and delicious dish? Try this Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad! Packed with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, it’s perfect for a light meal or a side. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a tasty and vibrant salad that's as easy to make as it is to eat. Discover the full recipe now and elevate your meal prep game! #MediterraneanSalad #ChickpeaSalad #HealthyEating #QuickRecipes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure that the ingredients are coated evenly.

        Add the fresh parsley and give the salad one final toss.

          Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately if in a hurry.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl, garnished with extra parsley and a few whole olives on top for a vibrant display. For individual servings, consider using small mason jars for a picnic-friendly option.