Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

FAQ’s

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.