Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine? Dive into the delightful world of "America's Test Kitchen Greek Style Chickpea Salad"! This quick and easy recipe is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or as a stunning side for your next gathering. With a medley of colorful vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas under cold water in a colander. Allow them to drain well.
- While the chickpeas are draining, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Cut each tomato in half and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, wash the cucumber, then slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon if desired, then dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Add the diced cucumber to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes.
- Peel and dice the red onion into small pieces. Add the diced red onion to the mixing bowl with the other vegetables.
- Once the chickpeas are well-drained, add them to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives to the mixing bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine them evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss again to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Greek-style chickpea salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your fresh and healthy salad!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during meal prep, chop your vegetables and crumble the feta cheese in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Rinse Chickpeas Well: Make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the chickpeas to remove any excess sodium and improve their texture. This will also help the salad stay fresh longer.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, parsley, or even avocado to make the salad your own. The beauty of this dish is its versatility!
- Chill for Flavor: If you have the time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate your salad. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning. Depending on your preference, you might want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Perfect Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Consider serving it alongside pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
