Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean chickpea salad is a crisp, no-cook mix of chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, olives, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that comes together in about 25 minutes.
Equipment
- large bowl
- jar with a lid
Ingredients
- 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into quarter-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 c. crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
- 1/2 c. halved pitted Kalamata olives
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Place the dried chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives in a large bowl, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The bowl should look colorful and evenly distributed, with the feta still in distinct pieces.
- Add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes to a lidded jar, then season with salt and black pepper before sealing it tightly. Shake until the jar gives a brisk rattle and the dressing looks cloudy and unified rather than separated.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and fold gently until the ingredients are coated. The chickpeas should glisten, and a little feta will begin to cling to them without disappearing completely.
Notes
Texture tip: Dry the rinsed chickpeas thoroughly with a towel before adding them to the bowl so the dressing clings instead of turning watery.
Ingredient tip: If the cucumber has a loose, wet seed center, scrape it out with a spoon before slicing. This keeps excess liquid from thinning the dressing.
Make-ahead tip: Making the salad ahead gives the chickpeas time to absorb the vinaigrette and lets the onion mellow. Add extra parsley just before serving for the freshest texture.
Storage: Keep the salad chilled in an airtight container. Freezing is not recommended because the crisp vegetables soften after thawing.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.