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Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Easy Healthy Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

Mediterranean chickpea salad - featured image
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A quick and vibrant Mediterranean chickpea salad featuring a bright lemon and olive oil dressing, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (about 14 oz drained)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 to 1½ lemons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives. Drain thoroughly (about 3 minutes).
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want a milder taste), and roughly chop the parsley and mint (8–10 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over and toss again gently to coat without smashing the chickpeas (2–3 minutes).
  5. Cover and chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep chickpeas intact. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor. If chickpeas seem dry, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate if packing for lunch to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, lemon olive oil dressing, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, quick salad, easy chickpea recipe

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-lemon-olive-oil-dressing/