Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad packed with wholesome chickpeas, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy snack, this no-cook salad combines bold flavors and nutritious ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (approximately 850g / 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (approximately 75g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (approximately 150g)
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced (approximately 200g)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (approximately 80g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (approximately 115g)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (approximately 30g)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (approximately 30g)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil (approximately 60ml)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 45ml)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help the dressing stick better to the chickpeas and other salad ingredients.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel, seed, and dice the cucumber. Halve the Kalamata olives. Using fresh chopped vegetables ensures optimal flavor and texture in the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Whisk until well emulsified to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the salad.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to mix. Take care not to overmix to avoid breaking up the feta cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for later use. The salad’s flavors deepen and meld beautifully if allowed to chill in the refrigerator before serving. Garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs to elevate presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe vegetables for maximum flavor and crisp texture.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice quantities to suit your personal taste.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavor melding.
- Use gluten-free canned chickpeas and check feta cheese if you follow a strict gluten-free diet.
- Optional: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra texture and heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, feta salad, no-cook salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, easy salad recipe
