Looking for a quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! This Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs is not only a breeze to prepare, taking just 10 minutes, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more. Bursting with the zesty brightness of lemon, the savory richness of Parmesan, and the aromatic freshness of basil and parsley, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delightful stand-alone dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this vibrant Italian-inspired salad that’s as healthy as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Open the can of chickpeas, drain them in a colander, and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Allow them to drain well.
- While the chickpeas are draining, wash the fresh basil and parsley under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, finely chop the fresh basil and parsley. Aim for a rough chop to release their aromatic oils, but be careful not to turn them into a paste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped basil, and chopped parsley. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients together.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. This will add a savory, umami flavor to the salad.
- Juice the lemon, making sure to catch any seeds. Pour the fresh lemon juice over the salad mixture. This will brighten the flavors and provide a refreshing tang.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salad. The olive oil will add richness and help to bind the ingredients together.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Be careful not to mash the chickpeas; you want them to remain intact.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the chickpea salad in bowls or on a platter, garnished with additional herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the chickpeas well to remove excess sodium and improve the overall flavor of your salad.
- Chop Herbs Wisely: When chopping your fresh herbs, aim for a rough chop to release their essential oils, enhancing the salad's aroma and taste without turning them into a paste.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your salad as you mix in the ingredients. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your personal palate.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add a Twist: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado for extra creaminess!
- Serve It Up: For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra herbs or Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
