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To create a vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, gather the following ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for a vegan version) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste I often use canned chickpeas for ease and speed. They save time and still taste great. Rinsing them well removes extra salt and improves the flavor. Fresh chickpeas offer a different texture. If you choose fresh, soak them overnight. Cook them until tender. This adds a lovely bite to your salad. For the best flavor in your salad, I recommend these brands: - Chickpeas: Goya or Eden Foods for canned options. They offer great taste and quality. - Olive Oil: Colavita or California Olive Ranch. They provide a rich, fruity flavor. - Feta Cheese: Athenos or Dodoni. Both brands have creamy textures and a nice tang. Using high-quality ingredients elevates your dish. It makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for a vegan version) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste First, rinse the chickpeas well. Drain them completely. Next, chop the cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Finely chop the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives. If you use feta cheese, crumble it now. Lastly, chop the fresh parsley. In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas. Next, incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives into the bowl. If you are using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the mixture. This adds a creamy texture and boosts the flavor. Now, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together. You want all the ingredients to be evenly coated. Finally, add the chopped parsley to the salad. Toss it lightly again. This adds a beautiful green touch to the dish. For the best flavor, let the salad rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend well. To make the dressing shine, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice works but lacks the same bright taste. Add your dried oregano and salt with care. You can always taste and adjust. If you want a bit more zing, add more lemon juice or a dash of vinegar. This will brighten the salad even more. To make your Mediterranean Chickpea Salad shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Choose a crisp cucumber for crunch. The red onion adds a nice bite, while Kalamata olives bring depth. If you want a creamier taste, add feta cheese. The tangy dressing is key: mix olive oil and lemon juice. This combination brightens the dish. A sprinkle of oregano offers a warm, aromatic touch that ties everything together. You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Chop your veggies and store them in the fridge. Mix the dressing separately and keep it in a jar. When you are ready to serve, combine everything. This method keeps your salad fresh and crunchy. Letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors blend. This resting time makes each bite tasty. Serve the salad on a colorful platter to attract attention. You can use individual bowls for a nice touch. Garnish with extra parsley and feta for a pop of color. This not only looks great but also adds freshness. Pair the salad with pita bread or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. {{image_4}} Making this salad vegan is easy. Just leave out the feta cheese. You can add extra olives or use avocado for creaminess instead. This keeps the dish rich and tasty. You still get a great blend of flavors. You can switch up the veggies in this salad. Try bell peppers or zucchini for a new taste. You can also use different herbs like basil or mint. If you want a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños. These swaps make the salad fun and exciting. For a heartier meal, add some protein or grains. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. If you prefer plant-based options, try quinoa or farro. These additions keep you full and satisfied. You can easily turn this salad into a main dish. Store your Mediterranean Chickpea Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it right after serving. The cool temperature helps the flavors stay bright. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture. The veggies may become mushy, which is not tasty. If you want to save some, try to store only the dressing separately. This way, you can mix it fresh later. When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for freshness each time you eat. If it smells off or looks soggy, it's best to toss it. Enjoy the salad while it's still crisp and vibrant! Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is packed with nutrients. One serving has about: - 200 calories - 10 grams of protein - 8 grams of healthy fats - 30 grams of carbs - High fiber content Chickpeas offer protein and fiber. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley add vitamins. Feta cheese provides calcium. This salad supports heart health and digestion. Yes, you can meal prep this salad. It holds well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3 to 5 days. The flavors even improve over time. Prepare it on the weekend for easy lunches. Just toss it again before serving. To adjust the spice level, you have a few options. If you like it mild, skip the olives. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a dash of hot sauce in the dressing. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for enhancing flavors. You learned about fresh versus canned chickpeas and the best brands to use. We also discussed how to store the salad and answered common questions. Making this salad is easy and fun, with many ways to adapt it to your taste. I hope you feel inspired to try different variations and enjoy this healthy dish!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Make your meals exciting with this Mediterranean Chickpea Delight! This vibrant salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a tangy dressing. In just 20 minutes, you can create a refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for a vegan version)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives into the bowl.

    If you are including feta cheese, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the other ingredients to introduce a creamy texture and enhance the flavor.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to create a tangy dressing.

        Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure that everything is evenly coated and flavors are well integrated.

          Add the finely chopped parsley to the salad, then toss lightly again to combine, allowing the vibrant green to brighten the dish.

            For the best flavor experience, let the salad rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Delight on a colorful platter or in individual bowls. Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with additional chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of feta cheese. This not only makes the dish more inviting but adds a touch of freshness!