Are you craving a light, zesty, and incredibly easy-to-make salad that screams summer freshness? Look no further than this Mediterranean-inspired Cucumber Chickpea Salad that promises to transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 10 minutes! Packed with vibrant colors, nutritious ingredients, and a tantalizing dressing, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for quick lunches, picnics, and healthy eating adventures.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cucumbers, diced
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water in a colander to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Allow them to drain well.
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off the ends and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes. Cut each tomato in half and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Peel the red onion, then finely chop it. If the onion's flavor is too strong for your taste, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor. Once ready, add the chopped onion to the mixing bowl.
- Chop the fresh parsley finely and add it to the bowl. This will add a refreshing flavor to the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil and lemon juice. Use a ratio of about 3 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice for a balanced dressing. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done while you prepare any additional dishes or simply enjoy the aroma.
- Serve the cucumber chickpea salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to complement any Mediterranean meal.
Tips
- Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture
- For milder onion flavor, soak chopped red onion in cold water for a few minutes
- Use a 3:1 ratio of olive oil to lemon juice for a perfectly balanced dressing
- Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld
- For extra freshness, use fresh, crisp cucumbers and chop ingredients just before serving
- Customize by adding feta cheese or olives for additional Mediterranean flair
- This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
- Serve chilled for maximum refreshment and flavor impact
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
