Print

Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta and Lemon Herb Dressing

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean chickpea salad featuring fresh veggies, tangy lemon herb dressing, and crumbly feta. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water, then set aside to drain fully.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley and mint.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and herbs.
  5. Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle toss.
  7. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld. If chilled, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice if needed and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Drain chickpeas well to avoid sogginess. Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor. Toss gently to keep feta chunky. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For vegan option, omit feta or use dairy-free alternative. Fresh herbs add brightness and complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, lemon herb dressing, feta salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad