Looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Look no further than this Chickpea Salad, also known as Garbanzo Bean Salad or Chana Salad! Bursting with the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, this quick and easy recipe will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a colorful medley of chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and zesty lemon that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light snack. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying? Dive into our recipe and discover the magic of this delightful salad!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Canned chickpeas, drained
- Red onion, chopped
- Tomatoes, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- Finely chop the red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the salad.
- Dice the tomatoes and cucumber into similar-sized small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size for consistent texture.
- Wash and finely chop fresh parsley, removing any tough stems to maximize the herb's delicate flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly over the salad ingredients to add brightness and acidity.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, ensuring even coating of all ingredients.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently mixing to distribute seasonings.
- Fold in the chopped parsley, being careful not to bruise the herbs.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse Your Chickpeas: Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch. This will help enhance the flavor of your salad and improve its texture.
- Uniform Cutting: When chopping your red onion, tomatoes, and cucumber, aim for uniform pieces. This not only looks more appealing but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh parsley and ripe tomatoes for the best taste. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, while ripe tomatoes add juiciness.
- Lemon Juice: For a brighter flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice directly over the salad. This adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your salad before serving! Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is versatile! Serve it on its own, as a side dish, or even as a filling in pita bread for a delightful wrap.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 286kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
