Chickpea Salad

This fresh and flavorful chickpea salad is the ultimate no-fuss side dish, packed with veggies and tossed in a simple tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or as a quick side for dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chickpea Salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and red onions pairs beautifully with the hearty chickpeas, making for a satisfying yet healthy side dish. The tangy white balsamic vinaigrette adds just the right amount of zing, and fresh dill brings a pop of brightness. It’s a quick, no-cook dish that’s perfect for meal prep or to bring to a summer BBQ. Whether you’re looking for a fast lunch or a fresh side to your dinner, this salad fits the bill!

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ – ½ teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

• ½ – 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Salad:

• 30 ounces chickpeas (2 cans, 15 ounces each), drained and rinsed

• 1 ½ cups English cucumbers (about 2 large cucumbers), diced with skin on

• 1 cup red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper), seeds and ribs removed, diced

• ½ cup red onion (about ½ small onion), diced

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1-2 teaspoons dried)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chickpeas:

1. Rinse both cans of chickpeas and drain thoroughly. Set aside.

Make the dressing:

2. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to combine.

Assemble the salad:

3. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the dressing and let sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you prep the veggies. Then, add the diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, red onion, and fresh dill. Toss to evenly coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator or serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more filling dish, add grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa to the salad for extra protein.

• Add More Veggies: You can include other fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or shredded carrots for added texture and color.

• Change the Herbs: Try using fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint in place of dill for a different flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.

• Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy touch, add lemon zest to the dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as it sits! However, it’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas for this salad?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before using.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the entire salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the fresh dill until right before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor.

3. Can I substitute the vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or red vinegar in place of white balsamic vinegar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

4. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can cook dried chickpeas instead of using canned. Just be sure to cook them until tender and let them cool before adding them to the salad.

5. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, you can add feta cheese, goat cheese, or even vegan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

6. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel and remove the seeds for the best texture.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Chickpea Salad is naturally gluten-free.

8. Can I add a different dressing to this salad?

Yes, if you prefer a different dressing, you can use tahini dressing, olive oil and lemon, or your favorite vinaigrette.

9. Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to make the salad spicier.

10. How long can I store this salad?

This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ, a light lunch, or as part of a meal prep plan, this salad is sure to satisfy. The fresh vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and tangy dressing make for a delightful and filling salad that’s healthy, versatile, and easy to make. Enjoy it on its own or as a complement to your favorite dishes!

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