Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Fresh Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Welcome back to The Salted Sicilian! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for those warm summer days when you crave something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. My lettuce-less Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon and herb vinaigrette. This dish is not only delicious and easy to make, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your barbecue, or a healthy snack, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad:

Ingredients:

- 1 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, sliced

- 1/2 cup of minced red onion

- 2 cups of finely chopped cucumber

- 1 block of Greek feta, cubed or crumbled

For the Fresh Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette:

- 1 tbsp raw honey

- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

- 1/4 tsp chopped fresh oregano

- 3 large lemons, zested and juiced

- 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced

- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- 2-3 tbsp extra light olive oil (this really helps the fresh lemon flavor shine in the vinaigrette!)

- Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, sliced cherry tomatoes, minced red onion, finely chopped cucumber, and cubed Greek feta. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

2. Make the Vinaigrette:

- In a small bowl, whisk together the raw honey, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk until the vinaigrette is well combined and emulsified.

- Add sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

3. Combine and Serve:

- Pour the fresh lemon vinaigrette over the chickpea salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.

- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

There you have it – a delightful and addictive lettuce-less Mediterranean Chickpea Salad that’s sure to brighten up your table! This salad is not only perfect for meal prep but also versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes. I hope you enjoy making and eating this salad as much as I do! Don't forget to share your creations and tag The Salted Sicilian – I love seeing your culinary creations!

Buon appetito!