Brighten up your meal with this refreshing Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint (if using).
Dress the Salad:
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your vibrant and tangy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad! It’s a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
FAQ:
1. What is Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad?
Answer: Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious salad featuring chickpeas (garbanzo beans), crumbled feta cheese, and a bright lemony dressing. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a satisfying dish on its own or as a side.
2. What ingredients are typically used in Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad?
Answer: Common ingredients in Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad include:
- Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon zest and juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
3. How do you make Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad?
Answer: To make Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley or cilantro.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or salt and pepper if desired.
- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
4. Can you make substitutions or additions to Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad?
Answer: Yes, Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad is versatile and can be customized based on personal preferences or ingredient availability:
- Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, avocado, or spinach.
- Incorporate protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.
- Replace parsley or cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herb flavor.
- For added crunch, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds.
5. How should Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad be stored and served?
Answer: To store Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.
- Before serving again, toss gently to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Enjoy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad as a light and vibrant dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and healthy lunch option!