Name: Tzatziki Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 can (400g / 14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full fat); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Tzatziki Chickpea Salad Recipe

This salad offers big flavour with minimal effort. The creamy tzatziki dressing coats wholesome chickpeas and crisp veggies for a satisfying bite, and the whole recipe requires no cooking — just mix and enjoy. It’s versatile, healthy, and gets even better after sitting for a bit, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Greek yogurt
• Cucumbers (grated and squeezed)
• Lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh dill (or mint)
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Canned chickpeas (well drained)
• Celery (finely sliced)
• Capers (for tangy flavour)

Directions

Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out as much water as possible — this keeps the tzatziki from becoming watery.
In a large bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, fresh dill, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the tzatziki base.
Add the drained chickpeas, finely sliced celery, and capers to the bowl and gently mix everything together until well coated in the dressing.
For best flavour, let the salad rest for at least 1 hour in the fridge so the ingredients meld, though you can serve immediately if needed.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes enough for about 4 as a side or up to 8 as a light dish.
Prep time: About 12 minutes plus about 1 hour for flavours to develop.

Variations

• Add chopped cherry tomatoes or red onion for extra colour and flavour.
• Stir in crumbled feta or olives for a more Mediterranean twist.
• Toss in cooked quinoa or serve over greens for a heartier meal.
• Substitute fresh mint for dill for a different herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become creamier as it sits — just give it a gentle stir before serving. No reheating is needed since this is a cold salad.

FAQs

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for about 3 days.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal to make ahead; flavours improve after an hour or more.

What’s the best type of yogurt to use?

Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and rich flavour.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes — cook dried chickpeas until tender before using, then drain well.

Is this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or soy yogurt.

What can I use instead of capers?

Cornichons or dill pickles are great salty, tangy substitutes.

Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Yes — add cooked chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs to boost protein.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Will it be too watery with the cucumber?

Grating and squeezing out the water helps prevent a watery salad.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt and cucumber may separate and become mushy when thawed.

Conclusion

Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is a versatile, delicious no-cook dish that combines creamy Greek-inspired tzatziki with wholesome chickpeas and crisp vegetables. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep or entertaining, this salad delivers fresh flavour with minimal effort and plenty of healthy satisfaction.