This refreshing Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad is quick and tasty! With chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and creamy feta, it’s a vibrant dish that’s full of flavor.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’ve got a lovely salad ready to enjoy. It’s great for lunch or a side dish to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you prefer, you can use cooked dried chickpeas too. Just soak and cook them beforehand; it adds a little extra love to your salad.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this salad a salty creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try using crumbled tofu or a dairy-free feta alternative for a similar texture.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch and bite. If it’s too strong for your taste, green onions or shallots can be used instead for a milder flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is a backup, but fresh is always best!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil for a different taste or if you’re looking for a high smoke point oil.
How Do I Properly Toss the Salad Without Crushing Ingredients?
Tossing ingredients gently is key to keeping the salad in good shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large spoon and fork to lift the ingredients instead of stirring vigorously.
- Start from the bottom and carefully fold the mixture over rather than mixing in a circular motion.
- Only toss until everything is coated in dressing. Over-mixing can mash the chickpeas and feta.
Taking it slow will keep the textures intact and make for a prettier presentation!
How to Make Easy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you decide to chill it for 30 minutes after mixing, the total time will be about 40 minutes. This is a quick, nourishing meal or side dish that packs lots of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, the cubed feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and the chopped parsley. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together lightly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined; this will be your tasty dressing!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture in your large bowl. Be careful not to spill! Now, gently toss everything together using a spoon and fork to coat all the ingredients with the dressing without crushing them.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Take a little taste of the salad. If you think it needs more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, feel free to add some to make it just right for your taste!
5. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad right away, or if you want to let the flavors develop, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes this salad even tastier!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, you can garnish the salad with lemon wedges for a pretty presentation. Dig in and enjoy your vibrant, protein-packed salad!
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried chickpeas! Just soak them overnight and cook until tender before using them in the salad. This adds extra time to your prep, but the flavor is worth it!
How Long Will This Salad Keep in the Fridge?
This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may soften a bit over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad. You can add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even olives for extra flavor. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors in mind.
Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes, this Easy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no grains or gluten products. It’s a perfect option for those with gluten intolerance!
