Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Jan 02, 2023, Updated Feb 14, 2024

5 from 11 votes

14 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

In this Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for healthy salad rich in fiber and protein.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2)

This chickpea salad recipe is so fresh and delicious I make it often with our favorite mediterranean dishes like lemon chicken kebabs, Greek meatballs and falafel!

Chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta and herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for the best Mediterranean chickpea salad ever!

This chickpea salad is hearty so it’s a perfect salad to meal prep and enjoy all week long.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (3)

Chickpea Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (4)
  • Chickpeas. You technically can substitute a different bean (such as white beans), if desired, but I recommend chickpeas.
  • Red Onion. any onion variety works well in this recipe – red, white, yellow or green onions.
  • Baby tomatoes. You can substitute any tomato variety including heirloom, Roma, etc.
  • Kalamata Olives. You can substitute your favorite olive variety, but kalamatas give the most authentic Greek flavor.
  • Feta Cheese. Goat cheese is an acceptable substitutes for feta.
  • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a great substitute if you don’t have olive oil.
  • Red wine vinegar. white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are great substitutes.
  • Dijon mustard. Any mustard variety can be used in place of Dijon.
  • Dried oregano. fresh oregano or your favorite Greek spice blend both work well in this recipe.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (5)

How to Make Chickpea Salad

Let’s walk through this simple recipe step-by-step! And don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by whisking together the dressing ingredients in a small bow, then set it aside.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (6)

Then, combine the chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), cucumber, onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, pepper in a large bowl (preferably with a lid) and stir to combine.

Be sure to save 1-2 tablespoons of feta cheese and herbs to garnish the top of the salad with for serving.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (7)

Next, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.

Then, cover the chickpea salad and chill it for at least 1 hour.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (8)

Serve

Garnish with extra feta, fresh dill, olives, etc. and serve cold with your favorite Mediterranean recipes:

  • We love serving it with these Greek meatballs, grilled Greek chicken or Lemon Chicken Kabobs.
  • It pairs really will with this baked falafel too!
  • Serve it with a side of pita bread, hummus and tzatziki!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (9)

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (10)

Chickpea Salad Recipe FAQs

Can you eat canned chickpeas?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe calls for a can of chickpeas. Just be sure to drain and rinse them.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein?

Both – ½ cup of chickpeas contains the following:
20 g carbohydrates (including 4 g fiber)
7 g protein

How long is chickpea salad good for in the fridge?

Chickpea salad lasts for up to 1 week store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why is chickpea salad good for you?

This mediterranean chickpea salad is a great source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (11)

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (12)

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (13)

SavePinPrint

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

Laura

In this Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for healthy salad rich in fiber and protein.

5 from 11 votes

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 167

Prep Time20 minutes minutes

Chilling1 hour hour

Total Time1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces chickpeas drained and rinsed, about 1 ½ cups.
  • 1 cucumber peeled and diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • 1- pint baby tomatoes halved
  • 6 ounces kalamata olives drained and rinsed.
  • 6 ounces Feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic

Dressing:

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), cucumber, onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, pepper. Be sure to save 1-2 tablespoons of feta cheese and herbs to garnish the top of the salad with for serving.

  • Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.

  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

  • Garnish with extra feta, fresh dill, olives, etc. and serve cold.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chickpeas. You technically can substitute a different bean (such as white beans), if desired, but I recommend chickpeas.
  • Red Onion. any onion variety works well in this recipe – red, white, yellow or green onions.
  • Baby tomatoes. You can substitute any tomato variety including heirloom, Roma, etc.
  • Kalamata Olives. You can substitute your favorite olive variety, but kalamatas give the most authentic Greek flavor.
  • Feta Cheese. Goat cheese is an acceptable substitutes for feta.
  • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a great substitute if you don’t have olive oil.
  • Red wine vinegar. white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are great substitutes.
  • Dijon mustard. Any mustard variety can be used in place of Dijon.
  • Dried oregano. fresh oregano or your favorite Greek spice blend both work well in this recipe.

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

try these recipes

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Homemade Hummus

Homemade Pita Bread Recipe

Greek Meatballs

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat chickpea salad at night for weight loss? ›

Yes, you can eat chickpeas salad at night for weight loss. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease.

Can I eat chickpea salad everyday? ›

Up to 1/4 cup of chickpeas daily is allowed on a low FODMAP diet for digestive issues. Gradually add chickpeas and other legumes to your diet to allow your body to adjust. Over time, you will better tolerate them.

What does a Mediterranean salad contain? ›

In a large bowl, gently toss the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, onion, and feta. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to combine.

Why is chickpea salad good for you? ›

Chickpeas are high in dietary fiber, especially a soluble fiber called raffinose. The good bacteria in your gut breaks this down so your colon can digest it slowly. Studies have found that eating more chickpeas can help make bowel movements easier and more regular. They can help lower cholesterol.

Are chickpeas good for losing belly fat? ›

Chickpeas May Help Control Your Weight

Because chickpeas are high in fiber, they help you to feel fuller longer. Satiety means you won't overeat, which helps you maintain or lose weight. They're also delicious when they're made into hummus.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein? ›

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ). Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein.

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad? ›

The primary difference lies in the use of specific ingredients. While both salads incorporate fresh vegetables and olive oil, Greek salad is characterized by the addition of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, giving it a uniquely Greek flavour.

Is Mayo OK on Mediterranean diet? ›

Avoid sauces made from cream or mayonnaise. Choose whole-grain breads, whole wheat pasta and pizza crust, brown rice, beans, and lentils. Cut back on butter or margarine on bread. Instead, you can dip your bread in a small amount of olive oil.

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing? ›

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

Are canned chickpeas as healthy? ›

Great news! Both canned and dried varieties of chickpeas are nutritious! When purchasing canned varieties, look for those labeled "no salt added" or "low in sodium." Overall, beans are budget-friendly, but dried can often be less expensive and also more flavorful than canned.

Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

Yes, it has carbs, but your body digests them slowly. That means they aren't absorbed as quickly as other carbs and won't spike your blood sugar. The chickpeas in hummus give it lots of fiber and protein to fill you up.

Is it okay to eat chickpeas at night? ›

Can I eat Chickpeas at night? Yes, it is ok to eat Chickpeas at night, in fact, they can be eaten at any time of day. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and a constituent (tryptophan) which helps in getting a healthy and sound sleep[6].

What is the best time to eat chickpea salad? ›

This easy chickpea salad is great for lunch, as a side dish. A bowl of this to your next bbq or cookout would win people over. The best part of this salad is that it can be made ahead of time, it uses 2 dressing ingredients, olive oil and lemon juice.

When should I eat chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Although chickpeas are high in protein and other nutrients but they are high in calories also. Besides this chickpeas are heavy and takes time to digest. So it is good to eat them in day time only.

Can we eat only salad at night for weight loss? ›

Raw vegetables, abundant in salads, contain fibre and complex carbohydrates that can be more challenging to digest. Eating a large salad at night may lead to discomfort and bloating, disrupting the body's natural winding down process.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5946

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.