Craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely mouthwatering side dish that'll make your taste buds dance? Look no further than this incredible Chickpea Salad that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! In just 10 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, refreshing salad that's not only packed with protein but also bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Allow to drain completely in a colander.
- Wash the cucumber and tomato carefully under cool water. Pat dry with clean paper towels to ensure crisp vegetables.
- Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the tomato into similar-sized cubes as the cucumber. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion into very small, thin pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Add the drained chickpeas to the vegetable mixture in the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Rinse Chickpeas Thoroughly: Always drain and rinse canned chickpeas to reduce sodium and remove any metallic taste.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut cucumber and tomatoes into uniform, small cubes for a consistent texture and beautiful presentation.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully marinate the ingredients.
- Customization Options: - Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint for extra freshness - Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist - For added crunch, include toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
- Make Ahead: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
