Imagine a dish that transports you to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines with just one bite - a vibrant, refreshing salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure! This Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil is your ticket to an effortless, nutritious meal that combines simplicity with explosive flavors. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will make your friends think you've secretly trained with a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes carefully under cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels, then carefully slice each tomato in half using a sharp knife.
- Gently add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the chickpeas, ensuring an even distribution.
- Rinse fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Using a sharp chef's knife, chop the basil leaves into fine, delicate pieces.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple dressing. Blend thoroughly to ensure proper emulsification.
- Sprinkle chopped basil over the chickpea and tomato mixture.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, using a gentle folding motion to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and herbs.
Tips
- Use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- For extra freshness, use freshly picked basil leaves if possible.
- If you want to add more protein, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken.
- Ensure your chickpeas are well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- For best flavor, use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
