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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The Best Summer Dish

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The Best Summer Dish

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the ultimate summer dish that brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This refreshing salad is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for sunny picnics, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. In just 20 minutes and without any cooking required, you’ll have a nutritious meal that’s packed with protein from chickpeas and bursting with the zesty tang of homemade lemon vinaigrette. The combination of fresh herbs and colorful vegetables creates an explosion of Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adjust according to what’s in your pantry. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or a hearty side dish that celebrates the essence of summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 English cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute with dairy-free feta for vegan option)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas under cold water; pat dry.
  2. Dice cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into ¼ inch pieces; halve cherry tomatoes and olives.
  3. Chop fresh parsley and mint finely.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  5. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas with diced veggies, olives, and herbs; pour dressing over the top and toss gently.
  6. Fold in crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

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