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Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad - featured image
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A light, vibrant, and refreshing Mediterranean salad combining chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs with a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer meals or as a healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 large cucumber (about 2 cups), peeled if waxed and diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Optional: Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water and let drain for about 5 minutes.
  2. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion, mint, and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Optionally add a dash of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mint, and parsley.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  6. If using, crumble feta cheese and add sliced Kalamata olives. Toss lightly to distribute.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cucumber to soften slightly.

Notes

Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce saltiness and canned flavor. Peel cucumbers if waxed for better texture. Add fresh herbs last minute if prepping early to avoid wilting. Let salad rest at least 15 minutes before serving but avoid sitting too long to prevent soggy cucumbers. Dressing can be whisked or shaken in a jar for smoothness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, cucumber salad, healthy summer recipe, easy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-and-cucumber-salad-easy-healthy-recipe-for-summer/