Chickpea Cucumber Salad (The Only Recipe You Need) Recipe
This refreshing Chickpea Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onion, and creamy feta cheese with a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 red onion, finely diced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 15 oz canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Start by chopping the English cucumber and halving the cherry tomatoes. Finely dice half a red onion, then chop the fresh parsley and dill. Place all these vegetables and herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Chickpeas and Feta: Rinse and drain a 15 oz can of chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and liquid. Add the chickpeas to the bowl with the vegetables. Crumble half a cup of feta cheese over the top to add a creamy, tangy element.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine 0.25 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the freshly made lemon vinaigrette over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Marinate: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh and crisp taste, or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop more depth.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or tuna if desired.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but reduce quantity.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; toss before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Keywords: chickpea salad, cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, healthy salad, chickpeas, feta cheese, lemon vinaigrette
