Go Back
A vibrant chickpea salad in a dark bowl, featuring chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Layla

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

A vibrant and refreshing chickpea salad, packed with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) rinsed, drained, and patted dry
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup English cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Jar with Lid
  • Cutting Board & Knife

Method
 

Make the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the dressing is well-emulsified. Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Assemble the Chickpea Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
  2. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  3. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. For the best flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight.
Variations: Feel free to add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, a can of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), or 1/4 cup of fresh mint.
Make it Vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a high-quality vegan feta.