Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
The light, 10 minute salad recipe that is a fresh partner to your favorite juicy turkey burger or perfect for a light lunch. Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is chock-full of good stuff like cucumber, tomatoes, red onion all drizzled with the best tangy lemon garlic vinaigrette you'll want to bathe in.
Servings 8 as a side
Equipment
- strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas (garbanzo or ceci), drained and rinsed
- ½ small red onion finely minced
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- 4 Persian cucumbers diced
- 2 Tablespoons fresh minced dill
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios optional
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped mint leaves
For the dressing
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or more
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or more
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing and draining the chickpeas in a strainer. Pat dry until minimal water remains. Leave in strainer until ready to use.
- Chop the onion, tomatoes and cucumber and add to a large salad bowl along with the drained chickpeas.
- Meanwhile, add the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and seasonings to a glass measuring cup. Slowly pour in the oil, whisking as you pour to create an emulsion and the dressing thickens. Taste and check for seasoning. It should be tangy and thickened.
- Pour about half of the dressing over the salad tossing with a spoon. Sprinkle in the fresh herbs, toss lightly again and top with pistachios, if desired. Add more dressing if needed or reserve to use over the next few days.
Notes
Make ahead
- The best way to make this salad ahead is to prep all of the veggies and toss them together about 30 minutes before you plan to serve it as the mint will turn darker as the salad sits. You can also leave the mint out until right before serving and tossing with the dressing.
- Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store sealed in the fridge.
- Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon each of za'atar, oregano and/or cumin to the dressing for a little extra Mediterranean flavor. Adjust as desired.
