Imagine a burst of Mediterranean flavors dancing on your taste buds in just 10 minutes - no cooking required! This Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, refreshing dish that will transport you straight to the sunny coastlines of Greece and Italy. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a quick and delicious meal, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Next, prepare the shallot dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. This will create a simple vinaigrette that will enhance the flavors of the salad.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Pour the shallot dressing over the chickpea mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, add the crumbled feta cheese on top. Gently fold the feta into the salad, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light lunch or a side dish with your favorite Mediterranean meal.
Tips
- Chickpea Pro Tip: Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.
- Cucumber Crunch: Use English or Persian cucumbers for a sweeter, less watery result. If using regular cucumbers, consider removing the seeds.
- Flavor Boost: Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Customization Hack: Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegan version, skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Dressing Trick: Whisk your olive oil and red wine vinegar until they're fully emulsified for a smoother, more integrated dressing.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra gourmet touch, garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
