Greek cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy dishes. Among its many culinary delights, Greek Chickpea Salad stands out as a flavorful, nutrient-packed option that satisfies both the palate and the body. Bursting with the goodness of chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. Let’s delve into the recipe, along with some helpful notes and nutritional information.
Ingredients:
Salad:
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups diced cucumber
• 1 1/2 cups diced bell pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (you can use castelvetrano or any other type)
• Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (either regular or vegan)
Greek Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Juice from 1/2 lemon (about 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
Directions:
1. Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
3. Now, let’s whip up the Greek dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. Serve and enjoy your delicious Greek Chickpea Salad!
Recipe Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to customize this salad according to your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture.
- Freshness is Key: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives will elevate the taste of your salad.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition Information: This Greek Chickpea Salad is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional information per serving (approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 9g
Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, this salad makes for a wholesome meal or a satisfying side dish. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a refreshing snack, or a side to grilled meats or fish, Greek Chickpea Salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!