Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this Mediterranean Vegetable Chick Pea Salad! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delightful combination of crisp vegetables and protein-packed chickpeas, making it the perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying light lunch on its own. With its colorful presentation and zesty dressing, this salad not only pleases the palate but also adds a pop of color to your table. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing them carefully. Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Slice the bell pepper in half, remove seeds and membranes, then dice into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, ensuring they are roughly the same size as other vegetable pieces.
- Finely chop the red onion into thin, small pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Roughly chop the fresh parsley, including both leaves and tender stems, and add to the vegetable mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Rinse the Chickpeas: Make sure to rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve the overall taste of the salad.
- Uniform Cutting: When chopping the vegetables, aim for uniform sizes to ensure a balanced texture and flavor in every bite.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. If possible, opt for organic vegetables and fresh parsley.
- Resting Time: Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients you love, such as avocado, feta cheese, or olives, to make the salad your own.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch with pita bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
