Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Jan 02, 2023, Updated Feb 14, 2024

5 from 13 votes

15 Comments

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In this Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for healthy salad rich in fiber and protein.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2)

This chickpea salad recipe is so fresh and delicious I make it often with our favorite mediterranean dishes like lemon chicken kebabs, Greek meatballs and falafel!

Chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta and herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for the best Mediterranean chickpea salad ever!

This chickpea salad is hearty so it’s a perfect salad to meal prep and enjoy all week long.

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Chickpea Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions

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  • Chickpeas. You technically can substitute a different bean (such as white beans), if desired, but I recommend chickpeas.
  • Red Onion. any onion variety works well in this recipe – red, white, yellow or green onions.
  • Baby tomatoes. You can substitute any tomato variety including heirloom, Roma, etc.
  • Kalamata Olives. You can substitute your favorite olive variety, but kalamatas give the most authentic Greek flavor.
  • Feta Cheese. Goat cheese is an acceptable substitutes for feta.
  • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a great substitute if you don’t have olive oil.
  • Red wine vinegar. white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are great substitutes.
  • Dijon mustard. Any mustard variety can be used in place of Dijon.
  • Dried oregano. fresh oregano or your favorite Greek spice blend both work well in this recipe.
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How to Make Chickpea Salad

Let’s walk through this simple recipe step-by-step! And don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by whisking together the dressing ingredients in a small bow, then set it aside.

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Then, combine the chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), cucumber, onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, pepper in a large bowl (preferably with a lid) and stir to combine.

Be sure to save 1-2 tablespoons of feta cheese and herbs to garnish the top of the salad with for serving.

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Next, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.

Then, cover the chickpea salad and chill it for at least 1 hour.

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Serve

Garnish with extra feta, fresh dill, olives, etc. and serve cold with your favorite Mediterranean recipes:

  • We love serving it with these Greek meatballs, grilled Greek chicken or Lemon Chicken Kabobs.
  • It pairs really will with this baked falafel too!
  • Serve it with a side of pita bread, hummus and tzatziki!
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Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.

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Chickpea Salad Recipe FAQs

Can you eat canned chickpeas?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe calls for a can of chickpeas. Just be sure to drain and rinse them.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein?

Both – ½ cup of chickpeas contains the following:
20 g carbohydrates (including 4 g fiber)
7 g protein

How long is chickpea salad good for in the fridge?

Chickpea salad lasts for up to 1 week store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why is chickpea salad good for you?

This mediterranean chickpea salad is a great source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (12)

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (13)

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

Laura

In this Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for healthy salad rich in fiber and protein.

5 from 13 votes

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 167

Prep Time20 minutes minutes

Chilling1 hour hour

Total Time1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces chickpeas drained and rinsed, about 1 ½ cups.
  • 1 cucumber peeled and diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • 1- pint baby tomatoes halved
  • 6 ounces kalamata olives drained and rinsed.
  • 6 ounces Feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic

Dressing:

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), cucumber, onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, pepper. Be sure to save 1-2 tablespoons of feta cheese and herbs to garnish the top of the salad with for serving.

  • Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.

  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

  • Garnish with extra feta, fresh dill, olives, etc. and serve cold.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chickpeas. You technically can substitute a different bean (such as white beans), if desired, but I recommend chickpeas.
  • Red Onion. any onion variety works well in this recipe – red, white, yellow or green onions.
  • Baby tomatoes. You can substitute any tomato variety including heirloom, Roma, etc.
  • Kalamata Olives. You can substitute your favorite olive variety, but kalamatas give the most authentic Greek flavor.
  • Feta Cheese. Goat cheese is an acceptable substitutes for feta.
  • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a great substitute if you don’t have olive oil.
  • Red wine vinegar. white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are great substitutes.
  • Dijon mustard. Any mustard variety can be used in place of Dijon.
  • Dried oregano. fresh oregano or your favorite Greek spice blend both work well in this recipe.

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Greek Meatballs

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is chickpea salad good for health? ›

Chickpeas are a great source of fibre, potassium, vitamin C and B-6. They also offer a whopping 39 grams of protein per cup as well! They fill you up, support your immune system and keep you regular.

Can I eat chickpea salad at night for weight loss? ›

Yes, you can eat chickpeas salad at night for weight loss. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease.

What does a Mediterranean salad contain? ›

I make my Mediterranean Chopped Salad with simple vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions mixed with chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives and toss it all in an herby, lemony vinaigrette! All you have to do is chop all the ingredients, make the dressing, and then mix everything together right before you serve it.

Can you eat raw chickpeas in a salad? ›

It has the perfect balance of flavors and makes a great vegan meal. I often have this for lunch. Whenever it comes to making salads with chickpeas, I like to start with raw chickpeas. Canned is fine when I am in rush but if I can plan ahead, I always like to use raw chickpeas and boil them in the morning.

Can I eat chickpea salad every day? ›

Chickpeas can be gassy, but somewhat less so than other legumes. Up to 1/4 cup of chickpeas daily is allowed on a low FODMAP diet for digestive issues. Gradually add chickpeas and other legumes to your diet to allow your body to adjust. Over time, you will better tolerate them.

Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

Chickpeas can positively impact your high blood sugar due to their low GI, high fibre and protein content. However, consuming legumes as part of a balanced meal is essential, as excessive consumption or high-GI ingredients added to chickpea recipes can raise your blood sugar levels.

Are chickpeas good for losing belly fat? ›

Chickpeas May Help Control Your Weight

Because chickpeas are high in fiber, they help you to feel fuller longer. Satiety means you won't overeat, which helps you maintain or lose weight. They're also delicious when they're made into hummus.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein? ›

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ). Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein.

What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›

"Chickpeas are wonderful to add directly to your dish—like salad, pasta, or soup—for extra protein and fiber," Cannon told us.

Can I eat Mediterranean salad everyday? ›

According to the now infamous Mediterranean Diet the goal is to eat one salad every day and at least one additional vegetable. You don't have to use coconut oil. You don't have to look for gluten free vegetables (BTW all veggies are already gluten free).

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

What are 3 examples of a Mediterranean diet? ›

In general, you'll eat: Lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils and nuts. A good amount of whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and brown rice. Plenty of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a source of healthy fat.

Which is healthier, chickpeas or garbanzo beans? ›

So really, there is no wrong answer. Both are correct! This unique, nutrient-packed bean has been popular in the Middle East for many years, as chickpeas are a staple ingredient in many of the region's most well-known dishes like hummus and falafel.

Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same thing? ›

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.)

Can I eat canned chickpeas straight? ›

Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked chickpeas. You can eat canned chickpeas straight out of the can! (Just be sure to rinse them off before chowing down to wash out excess sodium) Otherwise, you can roast them or turn them into any number of delicious dishes, like these here.

Is there anything unhealthy about chickpeas? ›

Raw chickpeas contain toxic substances that do not get digested well. Cooked chickpeas also contain complex sugars, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which can be difficult to digest and are not completely absorbed by the intestines.

Is Chickpea good or bad for weight loss? ›

Due to the high fiber and protein content, chickpeas are considered to be great for weight loss. It is said to slow down digestion, improve satiety and keep unhealthy calories at bay. All of these factors help in shedding kilos and maintaining a healthy weight.

What is the best time to eat chickpea salad? ›

Normally I like to eat this salad for lunch over mixed greens or spinach but you can also enjoy it as is. It's full of plant-based protein from chickpeas, a great option to pack for lunch, or even as an easy side dish for a BBQ or potluck, so let's do it up!

Are chickpeas healthy or fattening? ›

Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low GI. Potential benefits of chickpeas include helping control blood sugar, manage weight, and support heart and gut health.

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