Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander under cold running water, then shake off the excess water and pat dry with a clean towel so the dressing does not get watered down.
2. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then into quarters lengthwise, and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half using a small sharp knife.
4. Peel the red onion, cut it in half through the root, lay each half flat side down, and finely dice by making close vertical and horizontal cuts.
5. Cut the top off the bell pepper, remove the core and seeds, cut the flesh into flat strips, and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
6. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
7. In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
8. Screw the lid on the jar tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the dressing looks slightly thickened and no longer separates into distinct layers (or whisk briskly by hand for the same effect).
9. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently with a large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
10. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes so the vegetables absorb the dressing and the flavors meld.
11. Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled feta and chopped parsley so the cheese stays in intact chunks rather than dissolving.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• No cooking required, ready in 20 minutes
• Plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas keep you full
• Holds up well for meal prep, unlike leafy salads

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.