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.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (3)

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!

try these recipes

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Homemade Hummus

Homemade Pita Bread Recipe

Greek Meatballs

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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.

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.

Do canned chickpeas need to be cooked? ›

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.

Are chickpeas good for losing belly fat? ›

Day 2. Flat-Belly Bonus: Chickpeas are a flat-belly food with 7 g of fiber and 7 g of protein in 1/2 cup, per the USDA. Those nutrients fill you up and stabilize your blood sugar to keep you satisfied for longer after eating.

Can I eat chickpea salad every day? ›

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.

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? ›

Plenty of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a source of healthy fat. A good amount of fish, especially fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What is not eaten in a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

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.)

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!

Should I rinse chickpeas from a can? ›

If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them with water to cut the sodium (salt) content by almost a half. Rinse well in cold water to make them easier to digest and less gas-producing.

How to add flavor to canned chickpeas? ›

To do this, I drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then toss them with oil, salt, pepper, and any spices that I'm feeling. (I typically go with garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, but anything will work.)

Can I eat chickpeas straight from can? ›

I have also been getting another question which is “are canned chickpeas cooked?” Yes, they are already cooked and ready to eat! You'll just need to drain them and rinse before you use them for your recipe.

Is it good to eat chickpea salad at night? ›

Can I eat Chickpeas at night? Yes, it is ok to eat Chickpeas at night, in fact, they can be eaten at any time of day. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and a constituent (tryptophan) which helps in getting a healthy and sound sleep[6].

Are chickpeas good before bed? ›

Chickpeas have a high amount of vitamin B6, an essential vitamin used in the body's production of melatonin. So if you're suffering from insomnia, try digging into some hummus for lunch or grab a falafel pita for dinner, and you'll be dozing off in no time.

Can we eat salad at night for weight loss? ›

Eating a large salad at night may lead to discomfort and bloating, disrupting the body's natural winding down process. The high fibre content in salads, while beneficial for digestion, can also cause gas and bloating in some individuals.

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