Chickpea Salad Recipe

This vibrant Chickpea Salad is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, zesty lemon dressing, and savory feta. It’s not only colorful but also packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a great option for a light lunch or side dish. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and hearty chickpeas creates a satisfying texture, while the lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing tanginess. This salad is simple to make, yet it tastes gourmet!

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Ingredients

(Serves 6 as a side salad)

For the Salad:

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
• 15 oz chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 4 oz feta cheese, diced

For the Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
• ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  Tip: For convenience, you can also shake the ingredients together in a small mason jar to create an emulsified dressing quickly.

2. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, chickpeas, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and feta cheese.
  Note: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and to prevent them from being mushy.

3. Dress and Serve:

• Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated. For the best flavor, use all of the dressing, but you can adjust it to taste.

4. Serve Fresh:

• Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and texture. The avocado may brown if left for too long, so it’s best eaten right after assembling.

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Tips for the Best Chickpea Salad:

• Customizing the veggies: Feel free to swap in or add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch.
• Storage: If making ahead, store the salad ingredients (without avocado) and dressing separately, then add the avocado and toss with the dressing right before serving.
• Cilantro substitute: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works as a great alternative for a different herbaceous flavor.

This Chickpea Salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that pairs well with grilled meats, or can be enjoyed on its own for a nutritious meal.