Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any time of the day. It's made with simple ingredients such as chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives, which are all tossed together in a tangy and flavorful dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. The salad is then finished with fresh herbs such as parsley and mint, which add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish. The salad is best served cold, and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light and nutritious meal on its own. It's also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's full of protein and fiber from the chickpeas and contains no animal products. Overall, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Cooking Time

The cook time for the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe is actually minimal, as it is a cold salad that requires no cooking. However, it's best to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. So, there's no actual cook time for this recipe, only prep time and chilling time.

Ingredients

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped Kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add the chopped fresh parsley and mint to the salad and toss again.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve the salad cold, garnished with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It's also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. You can enjoy it as a side dish, or as a main meal by adding some grilled chicken or tofu on top.

Nutrition Facts

Based on a serving size of 1/4 of the recipe (without the optional feta cheese):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 469mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 9g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 9g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as any modifications to the recipe. Also, the addition of feta cheese will increase the calorie and fat content of the salad.

if you're looking for some suggestions for modifying the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Add some chopped roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for some extra flavor and texture.
• Swap out the red onion for some chopped green onions or shallots.
• Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro to make the salad even more filling and nutritious.
• Top the salad with some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for some crunch.
• Use a different type of bean, such as black beans or cannellini beans, instead of chickpeas.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add some plain Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing mixture.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and customize the salad to your liking!