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The base of this salad is simple and fresh. Here are the key ingredients you need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture. The chickpeas add protein and heartiness. The cucumber gives crunch, while cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper offer sweetness. Onion adds a bit of sharpness, and parsley brightens everything up. You can add some optional ingredients to make the salad even better. Consider these: - Avocado for creaminess - Feta cheese for a salty kick - Olives for a briny taste - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat These extras can take your salad to new heights. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This salad is quite adaptable. If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutes: - For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium chickpeas or rinse them well. - If you are vegan, make sure the dressing ingredients are plant-based. - Substitute quinoa for chickpeas if you prefer a grain base. These substitutions help you enjoy the salad while meeting your dietary needs. Always remember to taste as you go to adjust flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. Grab one can of chickpeas, drain them, and rinse well. Next, you need one medium cucumber. Dice it into small pieces. Then, take one cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Chop one red bell pepper and a quarter of a red onion finely. Now, place all these fresh veggies into a large mixing bowl. This mix brings color and crunch to the salad. The chickpeas add protein, making the meal filling. In a small bowl, you will whisk together the dressing. Use two tablespoons of olive oil as a base. Then, squeeze in two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add in two minced cloves of garlic for that zesty kick. Next, sprinkle in one teaspoon of cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk this mixture until it blends smoothly. This dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully. Now it's time to bring everything together. Pour the dressing over the bowl with the chickpeas and veggies. Gently toss the mixture. Make sure every piece of the salad gets a nice coating of that tasty dressing. After that, add in a quarter cup of freshly chopped parsley. Toss again to mix it well. Let your salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This rest time helps the flavors meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a fresh and flavorful meal. To make this salad burst with flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh parsley adds a bright note. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Don’t skip the garlic; it brings a punch. For the dressing, whisk the olive oil and lemon juice well. This way, it coats every part of the salad. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together. You can serve this salad in many ways. It works well as a side dish at dinner. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch. Try it with pita bread or on a bed of greens. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish. For a fun twist, add some feta cheese or avocado. This will make it richer and even more tasty! If you have a busy week, make this salad ahead of time. You can prepare it a day early. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even better. If you know you’ll want leftovers, keep the dressing separate. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. Mix it just before eating to keep that crispness! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, making it more delicious. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad after mixing in the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. Make It a Meal: Add protein like grilled chicken or feta cheese to turn this salad into a hearty meal. {{image_2}} You can change this salad by adding different ingredients. Try adding diced avocado for creaminess. Feta cheese gives a nice salty flavor. You can also add olives for a briny kick. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can brighten up the salad. For a crunchy texture, toss in some sunflower seeds or nuts. Each add-in brings new flavors and textures. This salad is already vegetarian and vegan. It contains no animal products. You can keep it vegan by using olive oil instead of butter. If you want more protein, add quinoa or tofu. Both options will make the salad heartier. You can also use a vegan feta for a cheese option without dairy. The dressing is key to this salad. You can mix it up for a new twist. Try using apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a tangy taste. Add a bit of honey or agave for sweetness. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the dressing. Each change can make the salad feel fresh and exciting. To store your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps the salad fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it crisp, try to leave out the dressing until you serve it. For best taste, eat the salad within three days. After that, the veggies may get soggy. Check for any off smells or changes in color. If the salad looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always remember to use fresh ingredients to extend its shelf life. Freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the veggies changes when frozen. However, if you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can use it for other salads later. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. First, soak them overnight in water. Then, boil them until they are tender. It takes about one to two hours. This method gives you fresh taste and texture. You can store the salad in the fridge for three to four days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. The flavors will blend better over time. However, the veggies will lose some crunch after a few days. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pita bread or quinoa. For a light meal, enjoy it with a refreshing yogurt dip. Each option adds a new layer of flavor. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad. We talked about key and optional ingredients, plus substitutions for different diets. You learned step-by-step instructions for making the salad and whisking the dressing. Tips and tricks for the best flavor were also shared, along with variations to keep it exciting. Lastly, we explored storage options and answered common questions. Enjoy making this fresh salad anytime. It's tasty, easy, and good for you!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad

A refreshing salad with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon garlic dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is nicely coated with the dressing.
  • Add the chopped parsley and toss again until evenly distributed.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Let the salad sit for a while to enhance the flavors.
Keyword chickpeas, healthy, salad, vegetarian