Description
A light, refreshing, and addictive Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick healthy meal or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 15 oz canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 red onion, finely diced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped dill, ensuring all fresh ingredients are well mixed.
- Add chickpeas and feta: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the bowl. Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the top to distribute flavor throughout the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a smooth lemon vinaigrette.
- Toss the salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the mixture until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, maintaining the integrity of the ingredients without mashing them.
- Marinate and serve: Serve the salad immediately for fresh crunch or let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.
- Variations: Add diced avocado, bell peppers, or Kalamata olives for extra flavor and texture enhancements.
- Onion Tip: To mellow the sharp bite of the red onion, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad for a milder taste.
