Name: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly quick and easy to make — just 10 minutes of prep.

The combination of crunchy veggies, salty feta, and tangy dressing offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

It’s versatile: great for lunch, a side dish, meal prep, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

The salad holds up well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
Large cucumber, diced
Red bell pepper, diced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Red onion, diced
Feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Lemon vinaigrette (to taste)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, and parsley.
Pour lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently stir until everything is well combined and coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (salt, pepper, more lemon vinaigrette).
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add chopped spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Substitute or add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Use a Greek‑style dressing or add smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.
Swap in roasted chickpeas instead of canned for a crunchier version.
Mix in olives or sun‑dried tomatoes to give it more Mediterranean flair.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days without getting soggy. Because it’s a cold salad, no reheating is required — just give it a stir before serving. If the vinaigrette has settled, you may want to drizzle a little extra lemon juice or olive oil when you serve.

FAQs

What type of chickpeas should I use?

You can use canned chickpeas that are drained and rinsed. If you prefer, you could use dried chickpeas—just cook and drain them before using.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it ahead is a great idea. It stores intact for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep.

Can I omit the feta cheese?

Yes—if you are vegan or dairy‑free, simply leave out the feta or substitute with a plant‑based alternative.

Will the vegetables get soggy over time?

Not in this recipe—chickpeas are sturdy, and the veggies used hold up well. The salad is designed to remain fresh for several days in the refrigerator.

What dressing works best?

A simple lemon vinaigrette is ideal for this salad. It keeps the dish light and bright, complementing the Mediterranean-style ingredients.

Can I add meat or protein?

Yes — if you want extra protein, you could add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tuna to make this a more substantial main dish.

Is this salad gluten‑free?

Yes—it contains no gluten ingredients as long as your chickpeas or other additions are certified gluten‑free.

How should I serve this salad?

It works well as a lunch on its own, a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or even as a filling for pita or wraps.

Can I swap any vegetables?

Absolutely. You can switch in vegetables you have on hand—such as roasted peppers instead of raw, or add things like pickled red onion or avocado for variety.

Does it work for a large gathering?

Yes—since it’s easy to scale up and stores well, it’s a great choice for potlucks, picnics, or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-packed dish that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, feeding a crowd, or looking for a healthy side dish, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.