Colorful Chickpea Salad

This Chickpea Salad isn’t just tasty, it’s also really good for you. It’s full of flavor and has lots of protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal when you’re in a hurry or just want something wholesome. It’ll fill you up and keep you feeling good!

Ingredients for Chickpea Salad

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 roasted bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained (optional)
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, sweet corn, artichoke hearts, roasted bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and tuna (if using).
• Add the chopped chili pepper and diced avocado to the bowl.
• Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the salad ingredients.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• After tossing the salad with the dressing, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Divide the salad into 4 portions and serve immediately.

Alternative Dressings for Chickpea Salad

• Lemon Tahini Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Greek Yogurt Dill Dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a creamy and herbaceous dressing that pairs perfectly with the chickpeas and vegetables.
• Honey Mustard Dressing: Mix together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Avocado Lime Dressing: Blend together ripe avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a creamy texture and bright citrus flavor to the salad.
• Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Tahini Orange Dressing to Elevate Your Salads

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside Roasted Chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal.
• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chickpea salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for an extra boost of freshness and nutrition. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing for added flavor.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Pile the chickpea salad into a whole-grain wrap or sandwich for a satisfying and portable lunch option. Add some Tahini or Tzatziki for an extra creamy touch.
• With Pita Chips or Crackers: Use the chickpea salad as a delicious dip for whole-grain pita chips or crackers. It’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer for gatherings and parties.
• Stuffed in Bell Peppers or Avocado Halves: Get creative and use the chickpea salad as a filling for hollowed-out bell peppers or avocado halves.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Prepare a batch of chickpea salad at the beginning of the week and portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.

FAQ

Q1. Can I make chickpea salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Our Colorful Chickpea Salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, we recommend adding the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Q2. Can I substitute fresh ingredients with canned or frozen ones? While fresh ingredients are ideal for optimal flavor and texture, you can certainly use canned or frozen ingredients if that’s what you have available. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned ingredients well before adding them to the salad.

Q3. Is this chickpea salad suitable for vegetarians/vegans? Yes! Our Colorful Chickpea Salad is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the optional tuna and feta cheese. It’s a delicious and nutritious option for anyone following a plant-based diet.

More Delicious Recipes with Chickpeas

Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic

A Flavorful Chickpea Patties Recipe

Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Cashew

Pasta Salad Recipe with Roasted Butternut Squash

Chickpea Sandwich for Busy Mornings