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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is an easy salad bursting with Mediterrnean flavors. This versatile salad is not only a breeze to prepare but also perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy days. A delicious blend of chickpeas, fresh vegetables and an easy dressing that you’ll want on repeat for busy days and family gatherings.

Love simple salads? We do to! You might also love my Mexican street corn pasta salad, strawberry spinach salad, and this easy Chinese Chicken Salad.

Garbanzo Bean Salad

Chickpeas and Garbanzo beans are the same legume. Whatever you choose to call them, they’re super hearty and satisfying in a salad!

Using canned chickpeas, this salad features crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, onion, creamy feta cheese, and parsley. All tossed in a zesty, bright homemade Mediterranean dressing. It’s the perfect summer salad to take along to a family gathering or potluck.

Overhead image of chickpea salad on a white plate.

I love having a chickpea salad in the fridge during the week and I can quickly grab it for lunch. If you’re thinking dinner, it’s delicious served with my oven baked chicken thighs and lemon roasted Greek potatoes on the side too!

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • QUICK & EASY – This easy salad takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.
  • VERSATILE – change up the add-ins and add protein to make it a meal.
  • MEAL PREP FRIENDLY – Perfect for preparing ahead of time for busy days or as a make-ahead lunch option.
  • SUMMER SALAD – Ideal for hot summer days since there’s no cooking required!

Ingredients – What goes in this salad

Labelled ingredients for chickpea salad.

For the dressing:

  • Avocado oil (or olive oil) – Adds a healthy fat and smooth texture to the dressing, enhancing the richness of the salad.
  • Red wine vinegar – Provides a tangy acidity that balances the flavors and brightens the overall taste of the salad
  • Garlic – Infuses a savory and aromatic depth to the dressing, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors
  • Dijon mustard – Acts as an emulsifier for the dressing, adding a tangy kick and helping to bind the ingredients together
  • Salt & Black pepper – Seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables and chickpeas, adding depth and balance
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dressing, creating a balance of spicy and savory notes in the salad
Chopped ingredients for chickpea pasta salad.

For the salad:

  • Canned chickpeas – Provide a hearty and protein-rich base for the salad, adding a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
  • English cucumber – Adds a crisp and refreshing crunch to the salad, while its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them
  • Cherry tomatoes – Offer bursts of sweetness and juicy acidity, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor to the salad
  • Orange & red bell peppers – Bring a vibrant pop of color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor to the salad, along with a satisfying crunch
  • Kalamata olives – Give the salad with a briny, salty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and adding a Mediterranean flair
  • Red onion – Provides a sharp and tangy bite, adding depth of flavor and a bit of crunch to the salad
  • Italian parsley – Offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a bright green color, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad
  • Fresh dill – Adds a delicate, aromatic flavor with hints of citrus and anise, elevating the salad with its herbaceous notes

Substitutions & Additions

Red wine vinegar – Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes for the red wine vinegar. Lemon juice also works well for a tangy and citrusy flavor

Cherry tomatoes – Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes work well as substitutes. Any sweet and juicy tomato variety will do

Italian parsley – Flat-leaf parsley or cilantro can be used instead of Italian parsley. Both provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor

How to make chickpea salad

Step by step images for how to make chickpea salad.

STEP ONE – To your serving bowl add the vinaigrette ingredients. Mix until combined.

STEP TWO – Add the salad ingredients to the bowl.

STEP THREE – Gently toss until combined.

STEP FIVE – Enjoy or place in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Chickpea salad served into a white bowl with a spoon.

Variations

Add protein – cooked chicken, tuna and salmon may all be added to this delicious salad

Add cheese – feta cheese or cubed mozzarella can be added too!

Change up the veggies – by adding in chopped avocado or serve over a bed of lettuce for a more traditional salad.

Garbanzo bean salad on a white plate.

Sandra’s Top Tips

  • Drain and Rinse Chickpeas Thoroughly: When using canned chickpeas, be sure to drain and rinse them well under cold water. This helps remove excess salt and starches, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better texture for the salad
  • Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it needs more acidity, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For extra freshness, sprinkle with more herbs. Don’t be afraid to customize the salad to suit your preferences!
  • Use fresh ingredients: high-quality fresh ingredients will give you the best flavors
Chickpea salad with fresh dill, served in a white bowl.

Storage instructions

Store leftover salad in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Perfect for meal-prepping!

Print
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Chickpea salad on a white plate.

Chickpea Salad


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  • Author: Sandra Flegg
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This simpleย Chickpea Saladย is an easy salad bursting with Mediterrnean flavors. This versatile salad is not only a breeze to prepare but also perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy days. A delicious blend of chickpeas, fresh vegetables and an easy dressing that you’ll want on repeat for busy days and family gatherings.


Ingredients

Vinaigrette Ingredients

1/3 cup avocado oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salad Ingredients

15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup English cucumber, cut into quarters

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup kalamata olives

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped

2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped


Instructions

  1. To your serving bowl add the vinaigrette ingredients. Mix until combined.
  2. Add the salad ingredients to the bowl.
  3. Gently toss until combined.
  4. Enjoy or place in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Store leftover salad in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Perfect for meal-prepping!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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