Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is an easy recipe with lots of color and texture. The fresh veggies combination gives delicious satisfaction for either lunch or a side dish. Its lemon dressing recipe completes this vegan chickpea salad.

Close up sideways view of colorful Mediterranean Chickpea salad in a white bowl against a white background.

This salad is so quick that you'll be enjoying it before you know it. The hunger pangs will be gone and you'll be getting plenty of chewing satisfaction.

This vegan chickpea salad is so pretty, too, that it is one of those impressive potluck recipes that will cause people to oh and ah.

It's so nice to have a versatile canned staple that can be used in so many different types of recipes. I'm talking about chickpeas, and they are great in hot or cold recipes.

I always make sure that there are a few cans in my cupboard - just in case - and they've never let me down.

Packed full of protein, fiber, and many more nutrients, chickpeas, as you need to do is simply drain and rinse, and you’re on your way.

The ingredients for this chickpea salad recipe have all of your favorite veggies, and the grated carrots mix in really well. No hard chunks, just texture and sweetness to compliment the lemon dressing.

The lemon dressing recipe only takes a couple of minutes to make, but it goes a long way in tying all of the ingredients together.

Angled bowl of healthy veggies mixed in a white bowl with a wooden spoon stuck in the side.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Tomatoes in any type that you like the most or whatever looks really good in the grocery store that week. My choice is usually plum tomatoes, but fresh, juicy ones work really well, too.
Red onion is the darling of fresh salads. Dice them small, and if you need a milder onion, scallions or green onions would work.

You can use a regular cucumber or an English cucumber. I used English and left the skin on.
Shredded carrot is a great addition for a little sweetness that contrasts really well with the lemon dressing. It's a beautiful visual contrast, too.
Fresh parsley is measured loosely, not compacted, and is the key to a fresh Mediterranean chickpea salad.

Cucumber, shredded carrot and fresh chopped parsley is added to the tomatoes and onions in an overhead shot.

Chickpeas should be drained and rinsed for this recipe. You don't need to blot them dry.

Overhead view of a cold mixed side dish in a large white bowl. On the side is a wooden spoon with salad remnants around.

Instructions

With a knife chop, cut, and dice all of the ingredients and have them ready to combine. Since most of the ingredients are fresh veggies, make sure you choose the best quality.
This recipe is so simple, as seen in the photos above. Just add the veggies into a large bowl and mix lightly.
The order I used was the red onions and tomatoes, then the cucumber.
Next, add the grated carrots and chopped parsley.
Lastly, before the dressing comes the chickpeas.
Mix well and continue with the dressing.

The final vegetable, canned chickpeas, is added to the salad mixture in this overhead view.

Whisk together the simple lemon dressing and pour over the chickpea mixture. Toss to coat, then serve immediately. Pita bread goes along nicely with it, too.

Overhead view of chickpea salad with lemon dressing being poured over the top.

Simple lemon dressing recipe

The dressing is simple and fresh and perfect for such a lively salad.

Fresh lemon juice lightens the salad and makes all the ingredients taste fresh.
Extra-virgin olive oil balances the lemon and makes the dressing texture smooth.
Chives give that little bit of oomph that is needed to finish the salad.
Salt and pepper help to season the salad — a must!

Wide photo showing fresh veggies tossed in a lemon dressing and in a white bowl with more in a serving dish behind.

FAQ's

Can you eat chickpeas straight out of the can without any preparation?

Yes, that is how this salad uses canned chickpeas. In fact, I think I have more recipes that use chickpeas raw rather than cooked.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! The choices are up to you and what your family may like. Some people add celery and even avocado.

Is there an oil free dressing that can be used?

Yes, you can use any of your favorite oil free dressings but I think a lemon juice or vinegar-based dressing would be best. Not a creamy one. Even parts of lemon juice, sweet rice wine vinegar, and a little maple syrup and mustard would be very good.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

No problem! Cook the dried chickpeas using your favorite recipe and freeze them for future use. Take out about one 12 to 14 ounces for this recipe. Keep in mind canned chickpeas are firmer than home-cooked.

How long does Mediterranean chickpea salad last?

Three to four days and give the leftover salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can you switch out the parsley?

Yes, but there are only a few that will work well. Fresh dill or mint would be delicious. They would both mix well with parsley too.

Three white bowls stacked on top of each other with the top one being filled with a colorful salad.

Chef's tips

Don't throw away the liquid from the can. It is aquafaba and can be used in multiple recipes, including a whipped topping. It freezes well.
Don't leave any vegetables too large so the salad is well-balanced in flavors.
The chickpeas will soak up the flavors of the dressing, so if you can set it in the refrigerator for a while, it will enhance the salad. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
The salad will keep about four days in the fridge so it is a nice option to have if you need a make-ahead dish. If you want to make it ahead don't add the tomatoes. Wait until the day of serving as the tomatoes break down too fast.
This salad doesn't need to be cold to be enjoyed so have no worries about having to keep it refrigerated when serving. It is delicious at room temperature.

More easy salad recipes

Nothing can be easier or more delicious than this Cucumber Vinegar Salad.
Apple Pecan Salad with raisins will uses two types of apples and also has a light creamy dressing.
If you have fresh watermelon available right now then you must try this Watermelon Salad with Vegan Feta.

Overhead view of a mixed chickpea salad with a wooden spoon flipped over inside the white bowl.

📋 Recipe