Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Jan 02, 2023, Updated Feb 14, 2024

5 from 11 votes

14 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

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (4)
  • 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

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 11 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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Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does a chickpea salad contain? ›

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until most of the chickpeas are smashed. Stir in the celery, onion, and pickles. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, red wine vinegar, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

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!

What is a Mediterranean chickpea salad Wiki? ›

It consists of whole cooked chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, salt, olive oil, and cumin. Chickpea salad has been eaten in the Levant since at least the time of the Amorite kings, with Zimri-Lim being known in particular for lavish banquets at which the dish was one of the delicacies.

Why is chickpea salad good for you? ›

Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low glycemic index (GI). As a result, chickpeas help manage cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure; maintain healthy body weight; and support gut health.

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!

What is the main ingredient in chickpeas? ›

Cooked chickpeas are 60% water, 27% carbohydrates, 9% protein and 3% fat (table).

Can you eat chickpeas straight from the can to a salad? ›

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 it OK to eat chickpeas everyday? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

Can I eat chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, and low in glycemic index. All this makes chickpeas great for weight loss, as they promote a feeling of fullness. Not to mention, chickpeas also reduce your appetite and can hence help you achieve your weight loss goals.

What do Indian people call chickpeas? ›

Chole, a dish of spiced chickpeas (also called chana or chana masala!) originates in the Indian subcontinent but can be found wherever people from the subcontinent went and settled due to colonialism.

What are the benefits of Mediterranean salad? ›

Mediterranean salads, with their high fiber content, can contribute to weight management and promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps keep you fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to overeat. It also supports a healthy digestive system by aiding regular bowel movements and promoting gut health.

What's the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas? ›

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.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

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.

Do chickpeas detox your body? ›

Chickpeas are rich in manganese which helps to fight against wrinkles. Chickpeas also have qualities that help in detoxifying your skin. Other nutrients such as folate and Vitamin B re-energize your skin cells to keep your skin looking bright and healthy.

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.

Do chickpeas have sugar or carbs? ›

Carbs. Most of the calories in chickpeas come from carbohydrate. There are about 35 grams of carbs in a 1-cup serving. Most of the carbohydrate in chickpeas is fiber and starch, though there is a small amount of naturally occurring sugar in chickpeas.

What contains chickpeas? ›

Chickpea dishes
  • Abgoosht – Kind of traditional and original Iranian stew and food.
  • Aquafaba – Residual water from cooking legumes, used in recipes to substitute egg whites.
  • Besan barfi.
  • Besan halwa – Confections often made from nut butters or flours.
  • Bhajji – Spiced fritter from the middle east and indian subcontinents.

Are chickpeas high in protein or carbs? ›

Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein. They contain several key vitamins and minerals. Some benefits of chickpeas may include helping reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and supporting brain and nervous system function.

Are chickpeas healthy or not? ›

Naturally low in saturated fat, loaded with nutrients

While naturally low in saturated fat, chickpeas are nutrient-dense. They provide nearly 20 grams of protein in a ½-cup serving and 5 grams of dietary fiber. Chickpeas also are a source of folate, iron, vitamin C and phosphorus.

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