Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with a Mediterranean-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for the recipe! This Cucumber Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is not just another boring salad – it's a flavor explosion that combines crunchy, golden chickpeas, fresh cucumber, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing that will transport you straight to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean. Get ready to fall in love with a salad that's so delicious, you'll forget you're eating something healthy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy texture.
- Spread chickpeas on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast chickpeas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy.
- While chickpeas are roasting, dice the cucumber and red onion into uniform small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the dressing.
- Add diced cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the dressing. Gently toss to combine.
- Once chickpeas are crispy and cooled for 5 minutes, fold them into the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately to maintain the chickpeas' crispiness. Best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly pat your chickpeas dry with paper towels before roasting to achieve that perfect golden crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting chickpeas. Give them space to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness.
- Shake the baking pan halfway through roasting to help the chickpeas brown evenly and prevent burning.
- Serve the salad immediately after adding the chickpeas to maintain their crisp texture – soggy chickpeas are a no-go!
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or za'atar to the chickpeas before roasting.
- If you're meal prepping, keep the crispy chickpeas separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
