This Chickpea Greek Salad is bright and fresh, packed with crunchy veggies and protein-rich chickpeas. Topped with feta, it’s both tasty and simple to make!
I love how it comes together in no time—just chop, mix, and enjoy! Plus, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal for hot days when you don’t want to cook. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are great for convenience. If you prefer, you can use dried chickpeas – just soak and cook them ahead of time. They’re a fantastic source of protein and add heartiness to the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes add a sweet Burst, diced regular tomatoes work well too. Just choose ripe ones for the best flavor. Don’t have any? Any other seasonal tomatoes can be sliced or diced and used.
Cucumber: I love using English cucumbers for their crunch and flavor, but you can use any type of cucumber. If you need it to be low-carb, try adding zucchini or bell pepper instead.
Kalamata Olives: If you can’t find these tasty olives, green olives or black olives will fit in just fine. For a twist, try using pickled peppers for a bit of tang.
Feta Cheese: I prefer a good quality feta for its creamy richness. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try using a plant-based feta or even cubed avocado for creaminess.
How Do I Make a Flavor-Packed Dressing?
The dressing is what brings all the freshness in your salad together, so getting it right is key. Making a simple dressing is really easy, and here’s how:
- Start with good quality olive oil. It adds richness, so don’t skimp!
- Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. This adds a nice tang that balances the salad.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you have fresh, that’s even better—just chop it up finely!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to get your preferred balance.
Mixing this dressing just before you serve keeps the salad from wilting. Toss gently to blend the flavors without bruising the greens!
How to Make Chickpea Greek Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 3 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine or spinach)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right away, or for an extra flavor boost, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before eating. Enjoy the vibrant mix of flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Take a large salad bowl and combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper. Mix these ingredients gently with a spoon to spread them out evenly in the bowl.
2. Add the Greens:
Next, add the mixed salad greens to the bowl with all the other vegetables and chickpeas. You’ll want these greens to mix in well, so stir them gently, being careful not to squish the ingredients.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients will create a lovely dressing to add flavor to your salad.
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated well with the dressing. This is where all those delicious flavors come together!
5. Finish with Feta:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. This adds a tasty, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Chickpea Greek Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s a healthy and tasty treat!
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are a great time-saver, and they work perfectly for this salad. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid before adding them to the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with crumbled tofu, avocado, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will differ slightly!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even cooked quinoa for extra protein and fiber. Just make sure to keep the proportions balanced for the best flavor.
