Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Cucumber Feta (Print Version)

Crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and protein-packed chickpeas in a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large cucumber, diced
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Legumes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Cheese

07 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, chopped parsley, and drained chickpeas.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well blended and emulsified.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
04 - Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss lightly to distribute, or arrange on top for visual presentation.
05 - Serve immediately for crisp vegetables, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
  • Nutritious: High in protein and fiber from chickpeas and packed with fresh vegetables.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The salty feta complements the tangy lemon dressing and crisp vegetables beautifully.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
02 -
  • Uniform Chopping: Try to dice the vegetables into sizes similar to the chickpeas for a consistent texture in every forkful.
  • Fresh Dressing: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure the dressing is well-emulsified before pouring it over the vegetables to guarantee even coverage.
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