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Greek Chickpea Salad Recipe

4.8 from 86 reviews

This refreshing Greek Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish packed with protein-rich chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives. Tossed in a tangy homemade Greek dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, then topped with crumbled feta cheese, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups diced cucumber
  • 1 1/2 cups diced bell pepper
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (can also use castelvetrano or another variety)
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (regular or vegan)

Greek Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Juice from 1/2 of a lemon (~1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas: Begin by thoroughly draining the canned chickpeas and rinsing them under cold water to remove excess sodium and canned flavor.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas along with diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted halved kalamata olives. If using, add chopped pepperoncini peppers for a tangy kick.
  3. Prepare the Greek dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified and smooth.
  4. Toss the salad in the dressing: Pour the prepared Greek dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Add the feta and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the dressed salad. Give a light final toss or leave the feta as a topping. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and vibrant salad.

Notes

  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the feta cheese with vegan feta or omit it entirely.
  • You can customize the salad by adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier salad, add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red chili flakes to the dressing.
  • Rinsing canned chickpeas helps reduce sodium content and improves the taste and texture of the salad.

Keywords: Greek chickpea salad, vegetarian salad, Greek salad recipe, easy chickpea salad, healthy lunch, Mediterranean diet