Chickpea Salad Recipe

Classic Chickpea Salad Recipe

This recipe is a delicious and protein-packed salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients:

• For the Dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Salad:
  • 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chopped vegetables (such as cucumber, tomato, red onion, bell pepper)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or mint)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

3. Serve: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives (if using) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas or cook your own dried chickpeas. If using canned chickpeas, be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the salad. To cook dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water, then simmer them for 1-2 hours until tender.
• Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables you add to your chickpea salad. Other options include celery, chopped carrots, or chopped zucchini.
• Freshness: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. If you need to use pre-chopped vegetables, be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the salad.
• Leftovers: Chickpea salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will develop even more overnight, so it may taste even better the next day!
• Variations:
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.
  • Creamy: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
  • Curry Chickpea Salad: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing for an Indian-inspired twist.
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy chickpea salad!