Greek Chickpeas Salad
A vibrant Greek chickpeas salad featuring creamy feta, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs, perfect for a light, hearty, and flavorful vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. prepared Dijon style mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 (20 oz. each) cans chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cheese, mustard, salt, oil, lemon juice, and pepper in the container of an electric blender; whirl until smooth.
- Combine chickpeas and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the chickpeas and onion, then toss to combine.
- Refrigerate the mixture; it can be prepared several days in advance.
- Just before serving, add chopped fresh parsley and toss again.
- Spoon the salad into a lettuce-lined serving bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, blend the feta cheese with the other ingredients until smooth. If you're out of Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or a touch of vinegar for tanginess. Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can also enhance the flavor. This salad is versatile, so feel free to add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Greek Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Greek Chickpea Salad as a refreshing main dish or a vibrant side. It goes well with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect addition to summer barbecues. Consider pairing it with Pasta With Eggplant for a delightful Mediterranean meal. Garnish with additional parsley or olives for a pop of color just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld nicely over time. If the salad becomes too dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the chickpeas and feta may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Chickpeas Salad contains roughly 168 calories, with 13g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2158mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few days in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Mix in the parsley just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If you're looking for an alternative to chickpeas, white beans or black beans can work well in this salad. Both options provide a similar texture and protein content, making them great substitutes that still align with Mediterranean recipes.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan feta alternative. The dressing will still be flavorful, and the salad will maintain its delicious taste while being suitable for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).