Description
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines fresh vegetables and hearty beans. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side at dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 ounce can Chickpeas (rinsed and drained well)
- 15 ounce can Black Beans (rinsed and drained well)
- 2 cups English Cucumber (Chopped)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- kosher salt and fresh black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas and black beans, along with the chopped cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, and both types of olives. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until they are well mixed. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the diced red onion, chopped parsley, and optional fresh mint to the bowl. Gently toss again to incorporate these fresh herbs, which will take another minute. Be careful not to mash the beans; you want a nice chunky texture.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Continue whisking until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified, approximately 1 minute. This dressing should appear smooth and glossy.
- Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then adjust further if needed. Remember, it’s easier to add than to take away!
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use the spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring every ingredient is coated in the dressing. This step should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you can, let it sit for an hour for optimal flavor development.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss, taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your vibrant Mediterranean feast!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend and enhances the overall taste. Use a high-quality olive oil for the dressing; it makes a significant difference in flavor.