Get ready to transform your Memorial Day gathering with a sensational Lemon Chickpea Salad that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This vibrant, zesty side dish is not just another boring salad – it's a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich sensation that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with the creamy texture of chickpeas. Perfect for those looking to add a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired twist to their holiday spread, this quick and easy recipe will elevate your cookout from ordinary to extraordinary in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the roasted red pepper by placing the whole red bell pepper directly on a gas stovetop flame or under the broiler. Rotate the pepper every few minutes until the entire surface is charred and blackened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the charred pepper to a small bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it steam for 10 minutes to help loosen the skin.
- Once cooled, carefully peel off the blackened skin using your fingers or a paper towel. Remove the stem and seeds, then chop the roasted pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Wash and chop the fresh parsley, removing any tough stems and creating fine, uniform cuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, roasted red pepper pieces, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil to create the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the chickpea mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing Memorial Day side dish.
Tips
- Roasting Perfection: When charring your red pepper, patience is key. Rotate it slowly to ensure an even, deep char that brings out maximum flavor.
- Prep Ahead: This salad actually gets better with time, so feel free to make it a few hours before your event. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify.
- Customize Your Kick: Want to add extra depth? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few crumbled feta cheese crumbles for additional complexity.
- Keep It Fresh: Use the freshest parsley possible – it makes a huge difference in the overall brightness of the dish.
- Serving Tip: While delicious chilled, letting the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving can help the flavors truly shine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
