Tzatziki chickpea salad is everything you want in a warm-weather meal, cool, creamy, crunchy, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor. It combines the richness of homemade (or store-bought) tzatziki with the heartiness of chickpeas, making it both refreshing and filling. This is one of those dishes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
The base of this salad is, of course, chickpeas. They’re a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, which makes this salad feel like a meal, not just a side. Combined with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and maybe even some chopped bell peppers, every bite is full of texture and vibrant color.
The tzatziki dressing ties it all together. With its creamy Greek yogurt base, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill, it’s cool and tangy with just enough zing to wake up your taste buds. The yogurt gives the salad a luxurious creaminess without weighing it down, while the cucumber and herbs keep things light and refreshing.
This salad works beautifully for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches at home. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, as the flavors only improve as they sit and mingle. Just be sure to stir before serving, as the dressing can thicken slightly in the fridge.
You can easily customize it, too. Add feta cheese for extra creaminess and saltiness, toss in some Kalamata olives for a briny bite, or top it with grilled chicken to turn it into a more protein-packed main. Serve it in pita pockets, over a bed of greens, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl with a spoon.
Tzatziki chickpea salad brings together everything that makes Mediterranean food so beloved, fresh produce, bold flavors, and simple ingredients that shine. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up something quick and nourishing, this salad is sure to hit the spot. It’s bright, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas canned, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the tzatziki sauce, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bowl.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Nutrition
Not bad but chickpeas can be hard, i like beans better. 😕
I dunno about this… Tzatziki in a salad? Seems weird. I guess it was alright, but I prefer my salads without it.
I think tzatziki adds a nice flavor! But everyone has their own taste, I guess.
Quick and easy recipe! I added a bit of feta cheese too, made it even better. Yum!
Tzatziki sauce? What even is that? I just threw in some ranch dressing, lol.
This salad is so refreshing! I love tzatziki, and adding chickpeas is genius!
This is sooo good! I had it for lunch and it’s super refreshing. 5 stars for sure!
I’m glad you loved it! It’s such a light and tasty meal, perfect for summer.
I don’t get why you would use canned chickpeas, cooking them would be better.
I’m not a fan of chickpeas, can I use beans instead?
Quick and easy! Perfect for a summer lunch. 👏
Not too bad! Just wish I had more dill, it gives it a nice kick!
Looks good, but how long can I leave it in the fridge? Don’t want it going bad!
I dunno, maybe a day or two? I wouldn’t risk it getting gross!
You can usually keep it in the fridge for 3-5 days! Just make sure to cover it well. Enjoy!
I tried this but the dill was too much for my taste. Wouldn’t make again.
Dude, dill is like the best part! But I get it, not everyone’s taste is the same.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe you can try less dill next time? It’s a strong flavor.
Had no cucumber, but still delish without it. 😋
Glad you liked it! Tzatziki is so versatile! 😊
No cucumber? Isn’t that kinda the main part of it? 🤔
This salad is amazing! So fresh and tasty, I loved the dill!
I made this with my kids and they love it! Chickpeas are good for dur. 🤗
That sounds like a fun time! Chickpeas are indeed super healthy and great for kids. Glad it was a hit! 😊
But isn’t tzatziki usually made with yogurt? Not sure if this is really a salad since it’s more like a dip.
Y’all, this is the best salad ever! The tzatziki makes it so creamy! 🌿😋
Taste really bland. Needs more flavor. Sorry, not a fan.
Tried making this with plain yogurt instead of tzatziki and it was a disaster. Stick to the recipe!
I totally agree! The tzatziki really makes this dish. Plain yogurt doesn’t have the same tang. Stick to the recipe for the best results!
Wow, this is super easy to make! I threw it together in 10 mins. Yum!
Totally agree! I love how quick it is. Perfect for a busy day!
10 mins? I don’t believe it. That seems too fast for a salad with so many ingredients.
Not a fan. It was too salty for my taste, and I think more cucumbers would help.
Why do they call it a salad if it’s all mixed up? Seems odd.
Wow! This salad is super refreshing! I’ve made it three times this week!
Three times?? Really? I don’t know, it sounds too simple to be that good!
That’s awesome! I love how easy it is to make! Perfect for summer!
This is so refreshing! Perfect for summer picnics.
Not sure about the tzatziki in a salad. Seems weird to me.
I think tzatziki adds a nice creaminess to the salad! It’s not weird at all! Gives it a Mediterranean twist 😋.
Loved it! I added feta cheese and it was bomb. 😍
Yum yum! Easy to make and soooo tasty. I even used Greek yogurt for the tzatziki!
I dunno about this one. How can this be a meal? Looks like a sides dish.
Its salad, how can it be bad? 🤷♂️
Exactly! Salad is always a win! 🥗
meh… chickpeas ain’t my thing. Try it if u like beans.
The lemon is too overpowering. Next time, I’ll use less.
This salad is life-changing! So fresh and delicious. I love it!
Pretty basic. It was okay but not special. Could use more flavor.
I added some feta cheese and it was heavenly! Highly recommend!
Perfect for summer! A nice light meal, definitely making this again.
I didn’t have tzatziki sauce at home, so I just used plain yogurt instead. Still turned out good!
Mmmm… tasty! Can’t wait to share with my family!
This is too much work for a salad. Just buy some at the store!!
But like, it’ll taste hella good if you make it right! Just takes a little time, worth it for fresh flavors!
I get that, but fresh salads are way better than store bought! Plus, it’s fun to make it yourself. 😄
This recipe looks confusing. What is tzatziki? Can I just use ranch? 🤔
I added some feta cheese and it was soooo good! Must try!
Really quick and easy! I added some feta cheese for extra flavor. Yum!
Anyone else skip the dill? Don’t like it. Still turned out alright.
This is the best recipe ever made! I’m gonna make this for my lunch every day.
I agree! This salad is so fresh and tasty. I’m excited to make it myself! 😊
Chickpeas are not my fav but I gave it a try. Might not make it again.
Tzatziki? Is that some kinda sauce? Didn’t even know what it was until now…