Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied and hungry? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with this incredible Marinated Chickpea Chopped Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe is not just a salad – it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking for a quick, delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to flavor town!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients for the Marinated Chickpea Chopped Salad. Ensure you have 1 can of chickpeas, 1 bell pepper, 1 cucumber, 1/2 red onion, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of parsley, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Open the can of chickpeas and pour them into a colander. Rinse the chickpeas under cold running water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Allow them to drain thoroughly.
- While the chickpeas are draining, prepare the vegetables. Start by dicing the bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. You can choose any color of bell pepper you prefer, such as red, yellow, or green.
- Next, wash the cucumber, cut off the ends, and dice it into small cubes. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumber before dicing, depending on your texture preference.
- Peel the red onion and dice it finely. If the flavor of raw onion is too strong for your taste, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, then drain.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This will help them release their juices and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Chop the parsley finely and set it aside. Fresh parsley adds a wonderful flavor and freshness to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This will serve as the dressing for your salad. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice dressing over the salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Serve the Marinated Chickpea Chopped Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious dish as a light meal or a side dish with your favorite protein.
Tips
- Chickpea Pro Tip: Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.
- Flavor Boost: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes!
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or feta cheese to make this salad more substantial.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest vegetables you can find – this makes a huge difference in the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Dressing Tip: Adjust the olive oil and lemon juice ratio to suit your taste. Some people prefer a tangier dressing, while others like it more mild.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Garnish Genius: For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of sumac before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
