Chickpea salad is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes: it’s healthy, quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Whether you’re eating plant-based or just looking to add more legumes to your diet, this salad is a go-to for fresh, wholesome eating.
At the heart of it are chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and a mild, nutty flavor. They provide the perfect base for soaking up all the deliciousness of the dressing and veggies. Canned chickpeas work great in a pinch, making this recipe easy to toss together in just minutes.
The real magic comes from the mix-ins. Think crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onions for a bite, and maybe a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can customize it endlessly: add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean vibe, toss in olives or avocado, or sprinkle in some chili flakes for heat.
The dressing is simple but zippy, typically a mix of lemon juice or vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s light but bold enough to elevate every bite. Let the salad sit for a few minutes after mixing so the flavors really meld together.
Chickpea salad is more than just a side, it can be a satisfying main course, especially when paired with pita bread, grilled protein, or grains like quinoa. It’s also perfect for meal prep: it holds up beautifully in the fridge and even tastes better the next day.
Whether you’re packing lunch, serving it at a picnic, or whipping up something quick for dinner, chickpea salad is a fresh, feel-good choice that never disappoints. With its bright colors, satisfying crunch, and tangy punch, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients done right.
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup mint chopped, fresh
- 1 Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition
Cant wait to try it
!!!
Chickpeas? More like NO-peas!! 😒 This is not my kind of food. Not a fan.
I totally get it! Not everyone loves chickpeas. But you may like it if you give it a try! Just saying! 😄
Chickpeas are actually kinda good tho! Have you tried them in a curry? Much better than a salad, in my opinion!
Sounds good, but I’m allergic to mint. Can I just leave that out? Will it still be ok?
u say lemon juice but I used vinegar instead. it taste fine, I guess. not bad
I dunno man, using vinegar instead of lemon sounds kinda weird. Lemon’s supposed to give that fresh flavor, ya know?
Vinegar? That’s interesting! I bet it adds a tangy kick. I’ll have to try that next time!
I don’t know, man. Chickpeas are just weird. Tried but didn’t enjoy it much. Maybe it’s just me.
I get you, chickpeas can be an acquired taste! Maybe try roasting them next time? They get crispy and might be more enjoyable!
Absolutely loved this salad! Super fresh and flavorful. Definitely making again!
So glad you loved it! This salad is one of my favorites too! 😊
Took me longer than expected to prep. But it was worth it! My family finished it all up!
wowowow, this salad is my new obsession. Can’t stop makin’ it!!
Really? I tried this and thought it was just okay. A bit bland without any spices, maybe?
So glad you love it! It’s super refreshing. I add feta sometimes too, makes it even better!
I tried this yesterday, and it turned out delicious! So simple yet so good!
This is a great recipe for summer! So easy and healthy. I added some feta for extra flavor!
Not sure about the mint in this. Seems kinda weird for a salad… What do you think? But guess it’s healthy.
I love chickpeas! This salad sounds delicious and refreshing for hot days. Gonna try your feta addition!
Why would anyone mix cucumber with chickpeas? Sounds gross honestly.
Where’s the flavor? It needs something else, maybe some spice or dressing?
I totally agree! A bit of cumin or a red pepper flakes would really kick it up a notch!
Chickpeas?? Not for me. 🙅♂️
Salad is healthy! I like chickpeas. Good recipe.
I agree! Chickpeas are awesome! This salad sounds refreshing. Gonna try it today!
I dunno… salad is just leaves, not filling. Chickpeas are alright but where’s the meat?
Super easy and quick to prepare! I can’t believe I never tried this before!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my go-to meals when I need something quick and healthy. 🥗
I was skeptical about this combo, but wow it surprised me. Delicious!
Tried this for my BBQ, everyone loved it! Will make again!
Delicious, but also way too healthy for me. I like my food more greasy haha. 👍
I think the red onion is too strong. Next time I might skip it.
This salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer picnics. I added some feta cheese for extra flavor. 😍
Really easy to make, but I didn’t have mint, so I used basil. Still good.
This salad is sooo refreshing! I added some feta cheese too. Yum!
Feta sounds like a great addition! I might try that next time.
The recipe is missing garlic! Garlic makes everything better!
Tried this but found it too simple. Maybe needs some spice or something. Not my fave.
Not a fan. It was too bland for my taste. Might need more seasoning or something. 🤷♂️
Chickpeas are gross. I don’t get why everyone loves this stuff. No way I’m trying this.
I forgot the mint but still turned out good. Kind a bland tho, add more lemon!
This salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer days. I added some feta cheese, and it was a hit!
I didn’t have red onion so I used green onion instead. Still turned out delicious! Just a tip for others.
Nice substitution! Green onions have a milder taste, so I bet it added a nice twist. Thanks for sharing the tip!
Green onions? Hmm… not sure if that’s a good idea. Isn’t red onion supposed to give it a bit of a kick? 🤔
Honestly, I didn’t think chickpeas could taste this good. But that lemon dressing really makes it pop! Will definitely make it again.
Yum! Made it for a picnic and everyone loved it! So easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Chickpeas are beans, right? I just don’t get this whole salad thing. But my wife loved it, so 3 stars for her! 🤔
I dunno, salads can be so boring! Just a bunch of raw stuff? I’m not a fan, but if your wife liked it, that’s cool I guess. 😕
Chickpeas are technically legumes, not beans, but who’s counting? Glad your wife enjoyed it! Maybe you’ll like it too if you give it another try! 😊