This Chickpea Salad features a vibrant mix of crisp veggies, creamy feta, and savory chickpeas. It's tossed in a tangy homemade citrus dressing that makes every forkful irresistibly delicious.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Chickpea Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Healthy Chickpea Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Chickpea Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve With This Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
• Can I Eat Chickpeas Raw?
• Can I Use Regular Cucumbers Instead of Persian Cucumbers?
• Is This Salad Gluten-free?
• Can I Make this Salad in Advance?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Chickpea Salad Recipe

• Savory chickpeas and kalamata olives
• Cool, crisp cucumbers and red bell peppers
• Creamy feta cheese and fresh mint
• Tossed in a tangy homemade citrus dressing
• Quick and easy, healthy salad

Chickpeas are little powerhouses of protein and fiber, and they take center stage in this beautiful and flavorful salad. This recipe combines chickpeas with a delicious Mediterranean medley of crisp, colorful veggies, creamy feta, and a tangy homemade citrus dressing.

This simple and easy chickpea salad recipe only takes less than 15 minutes to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. But don’t let the ease fool you; this is one flavor-packed, nutrient-loaded salad. It’s even hearty and satisfying enough to serve as a main course on meatless Mondays.

One of the things that makes this salad so popular is that the vibrant colors immediately catch your eye. I use similar ingredients in this leafy green Mediterranean Chopped Salad, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

🛒 Ingredients for Healthy Chickpea Salad

• Chickpeas
• Cucumbers
• Bell pepper
• Tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Fresh mint
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt 
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Bullet blender, immersion blender or mixing bowl and whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Serving bowl

🔪 How to Make Chickpea Salad

To Make the Chickpea Salad Dressing

Add all of the dressing ingredients to the cup of a bullet blender or immersion blender.

Pulse until everything is well combined and the dressing is emulsified.

If you don’t have an immersion blender or bullet blender, you can use a mixing bowl and a whisk. Add all the ingredients to the bowl, and slowly whisk in the olive oil until well combined. Set the dressing aside while you assemble the salad.

To Make the Salad

Add the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, kalamata olives, red onion, and chopped fresh mint into a mixing bowl.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Toss to combine, then add the feta cheese, gently toss, and serve.

If you love chickpeas, be sure to try this chickpea soup that is also loaded with Mediterranean flavors! For a healthy snack that's also Vegan, try these spicy chickpeas that are perfectly crunchy and flavorful.

💡 Tips for Making Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

• You’ll want to make sure the canned chickpeas are drained and rinsed well. This helps remove excess sodium or other ingredients that alter their flavor.

• This recipe is all about cool and crisp veggies. Take a couple extra minutes at the grocery store or farmer’s market to ensure you’re selecting the freshest produce.

• Though it may take a little longer than a rough chop, it really pays off to cut the vegetables all the same size. To save a little time, you can chop everything the night before and store it in individual containers in the fridge.

• When you are preparing the citrus dressing, you may want to taste it as you go. Adjust the quantities of lemon, lime, and orange juices to suit your preference.

• For the best results, serve the chickpea salad chilled. This helps to keep the vegetables cool and crisp.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Place the salad in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This salad will not freeze well.

🍴 What to Serve With This Salad

With the addition of chickpeas, this salad can easily be served as a standalone meal. But it's also a great side to just about any main course. Here are some great healthy entrees to consider:

• Chicken Piccata
• Easy Air Fryer Steak Bite
• Chimichurri Chicken
• Baked Snapper with Compound Butter
• Mediterranean Shrimp Pan Shrimp
• Cast Iron Steak with Mushrooms

This salad would be perfect served on the side of a pasta dish, like this Chicken Alfredo Recipe that is creamy and delicious!

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Quinoa: Add cooked quinoa to add an extra boost of protein and fiber.

• Roasted vegetables: Roast the cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers before adding them to the salad.

• Dressing: Instead of the citrus dressing, feel free to use any of your favorite dressings.  

• Spicy kick: Add a kick of heat to the dressing with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Caprese twist: Swap the feta for fresh mozzarella, and add basil leaves instead of mint.

• Avocado: For added creaminess, you can add sliced or diced avocado.

• Crispy bacon: For a savory twist, sprinkle crispy fried bacon bits over the salad.

Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they need to be soaked and cooked before adding to the salad.

Can I Eat Chickpeas Raw?

The ones in the can are actually cooked. They are fine to rinse, drain and serve them as they are.

Can I Use Regular Cucumbers Instead of Persian Cucumbers?

You can but regular cucumbers have thicker skins and larger seeds. Persian cucumbers are more tender and do not require peeling.

Is This Salad Gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you'll want to double-check ingredient labels, especially for items like Dijon mustard, to make sure.

Can I Make this Salad in Advance?

While the ingredients in this salad are best when they're freshly made, you can make it up to a day in advance. You may want to wait until right before serving to add the dressing.

🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasts Salad
• Greek Quinoa Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad