Chickpea Salad Bursting with Crisp, Fresh Veggies
Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
Salad-
1
(15-oz.) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
-
6 oz.
feta, cubed
-
1
Sliced English cucumber, shaped like half-moons
-
1 pt.
cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1
orange bell pepper, diced
-
1/2
thinly sliced small red onions
-
2
avocados, cubed
-
1 c.
chopped Italian parsley
-
1/2 c.
torn basil
-
1/3 c.
olive oil
-
3 tbsp.
red wine vinegar
-
2 tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
-
1
grated garlic clove
-
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
-
1/4 tsp.
ground black pepper
-
1/4 tsp.
red pepper flakes
Directions
- To prepare the salad: Combine the chickpeas, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, parsley, and basil in a large bowl by gently folding them together.
- To prepare the dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes with a whisk until well mixed. Drizzle this mixture over your salad and carefully mix everything together. Enjoy right away.
Hint: When preparing the salad in advance, leave out the avocado and basil. Add these fresh ingredients just before serving to keep them vibrant green and appealing.
Packed with chickpeas, diced veggies, rich avocado, crumbled feta cheese, an abundance of fresh herbs, and generously drizzled with lemon juice, this chickpea salad could very well be among the most revitalizing you've ever tasted. summer salad recipes Fortunately, these produce items are accessible all year round, so you don’t have to wait for farmers' markets to start their seasonal operations; you can enjoy them at any time. healthy lunches Anytime of the year! It also stores well in the refrigerator, so feel free to include it on your shopping list. meal prep recipes you'll make on repeat.
What is the distinction between chickpeas and garbanzo beans?
They are essentially the same, with both terms being completely interchangeable. Although garbanzo bean is the Spanish term and chickpea is the English word, this crop has existed for millennia under various names. Fortunately, you can locate these legumes alongside others in the canned goods aisle at your local store.
Could you opt for different kinds of beans instead?
Certainly. Should inspiration strike, this recipe can be adapted successfully using different types of canned beans, provided you maintain the same quantity. Consider trying cannellini beans, kidney beans, or black beans for variety.
What do your pair with chickpeas?
Similar to many beans, chickpeas possess a rather subtle taste. This makes them an excellent match for robust flavors such as freshly chopped herbs, vibrant lemon juice, tangy vinegar, and crumbly feta cheese. Their firm consistency works wonderfully when combined with crisp veggies like cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers.
What type of feta cheese works best with chickpea salad?
The recipe requires cubes of feta cheese taken from a solid block. Although crumbling the feta could also work well—especially if finding a block proves difficult—it often becomes too soft in the dressing. Cutting fresh chunks directly from the block ensures that your feta retains its freshness and structural integrity within the salad, offering delightful mouthfuls of rich, savory flavor.
Could you exclude the feta?
Definitely! This salad is quite adaptable, allowing you to include or exclude ingredients based on your tastes. If you're not keen on feta, consider dicing up your preferred cheese variety and mixing it in instead.
What are the finest herbs to use in a chickpea salad?
Herbs add such a vibrant freshness to this salad. Although the recipe suggests using parsley and basil, you can easily customize it! You might want to try dill, mint, or cilantro as alternatives to basil instead.
Is it possible to prepare chickpea salad in advance?
Chickpea salad is an ideal dish to prepare in advance. It can be stored in the fridge as a marinated bean salad for up to two days without losing quality. When preparing it beforehand, set aside the avocado and basil until just before serving. This keeps the avocado and basil crisp and fresh.
Comments
Post a Comment