Looking for a quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean? Look no further! This Chickpea Salad with Feta is not only a breeze to whip up in just 10 minutes, but it's also packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that will leave you craving more. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as healthy as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing them carefully. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small uniform cubes, and finely dice the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion.
- Crumble the feta cheese directly over the vegetable and chickpea mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a light dressing.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing Mediterranean-style side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rinse the Chickpeas Well: Make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse the canned chickpeas to remove excess sodium and enhance their texture, making your salad even more enjoyable.
- Uniform Vegetable Cuts: For a more visually appealing salad, try to cut the cucumber and red onion into uniform sizes. This not only looks great but also ensures that every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and high-quality feta cheese. The freshness of the ingredients significantly elevates the taste of the salad.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing. This marination time helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a tastier dish.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt can make a world of difference.
- Chill for Refreshment: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, especially on warm days.
- Versatile Additions: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even avocado for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a filling lunch on its own. Enjoy it with pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
