This Greek Chickpea Salad recipe is the perfect healthy and flavorful option for any meal of the day. With chickpeas as the main ingredient, this salad is a perfect plant-based option that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, fresh lemon dressing adds a tangy, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the salad’s bright, colorful veggies. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a nutritious meal that’s both tasty and satisfying, this Chickpea Salad is the perfect choice!
Ingredients for Chickpea Salad
Loaded with veggies like cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, bell pepper, spinach, this salad is both filling and refreshing.
And of course, the key ingredient of this salad is chickpeas, that are rich in plant-based protein and essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc, being a real superfood that can boost your digestion, brain function, and more.
Including chickpeas or garbanzo beans in your daily meal plan will bring a lot of healthy benefits to your body, as chickpeas have an impressive nutritional composition. They are rich in soluble fiber and plant-based protein. Include magnesium, zinc, selenium, choline, and other essential minerals and vitamins. Adding chickpeas can also improve your digestion and is great for your brain and nervous system. Beans are an excellent replacement for meat as a source of protein in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Also, check out our other chicckpea recipes that are high-protein and super delciious, such as Chickpea Tomato Soup and No-Bake Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes with Strawberry Filling.
Fresh lemon dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. It adds a tangy, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the salad’s bright, colorful veggies.
How to make the Salad
The process of making this salad couldn’t be easier and quicker, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish. Simply start by rinsing and draining canned chickpeas, then chop up the veggies of your choice, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Combine them with the chickpeas and toss everything together with the fresh lemon dressing.
This salad is a perfect option for those who want a healthy and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. With its simplicity and convenience, this Greek Chickpea Salad is a must-try recipe!
How to make Lemon Dressing
The fresh lemon dressing fits very well with this light and fresh Chickpea Salad adding a burst of fresh flavor. Some slight hints of lemon sourness together with some bitterness of olive oil and sweetness of maple syrup create a very delicious dressing that makes this salad completely fresh, tasty, light, and very healthy!
To make the dressing, just mix all ingredients for the dressing until well combined. Use fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
Possible substitutions and additions
Feel free to add your favorite herbs and seasonings to the salad and bring some different and unique flavors. It’s so versatile. Here are some ideas for add-ins:
- Add crumbled Feta cheese (dairy-free, if you want to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan) for tangy ans salty flavor.
- Add sliced avocado to add some creaminess and healthy fats to the salad.
- You can substitute parsley for cilantro or add your other favorite herbs.
- Toss in some cooked quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
- Top with some toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
How to store
Properly storing chickpea salad is important to maintain its freshness and flavor. The good news is that this salad keeps really well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. To store the salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. If you want to add sliced avocados to the salad, drizzle some lemon juice over them to prevent browning before covering. When ready to serve, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
More healthy vegetarian salad recipes
- Kidney Bean Salad with Spicy Peanut Butter Dressing
- Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Poppy Seed Dressing
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Kale
- Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea Salad
- Jennifer Aniston Salad with Quinoa
- Arugula Mozzarella Salad with Tomatoes
- Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai)
So if you are looking for a healthy, easy-to-make, and delicious salad that’s packed with protein and fiber, be sure to try this Greek Chickpea Salad. It can be a perfect healthy dinner or side dish., especially in summer, when we all prefer chilled and refreshing dishes. So why not give this high-protein Chickpea Salad a try? We’re sure you’ll enjoy it!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 12-15 cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 red onion
- 1 bell pepper
- a handful of parsley
- a handful of spinach
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas.
- Cut cherry tomatoes into halves. Chop the cucumbers, onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
- Place all the ingredients for the salad into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl mix all ingredients for the dressing until well combined.
- Add the dressing and using a spoon mix well. Serve and enjoy!
