Cucumber Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Tzatziki Sauce
This salad is a perfect balance of cool, juicy cucumbers, crunchy spiced chickpeas, and creamy Greek tzatziki sauce.It’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats — refreshing yet satisfying — and tastes like a classic Mediterranean mezze turned into a complete meal.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (for crispy chickpeas)
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 medium cucumbers, sliced or chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Chickpeas:
1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Chickpeas
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread chickpeas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Toss with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
(Tip: Let them cool for 5 minutes — they crisp up more as they cool.)
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until creamy and smooth.
3. Chill in the fridge while preparing the salad.
3. Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss gently to mix.
3. Add a spoonful of tzatziki and top with crispy chickpeas and crumbled feta (if using).
4. Serve
Drizzle with more tzatziki and a touch of olive oil before serving.
Enjoy immediately for the best crunch!
Notes & Tips
Make it a meal: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or leafy greens.
Make ahead: Store veggies and chickpeas separately; add tzatziki just before serving.
Extra crunch: Add toasted pita chips or sunflower seeds.
Vegan option: Use plant-based yogurt and skip feta.
frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: How to keep chickpeas crispy?
Let them cool completely before storing — keep in an open bowl or jar (not sealed).
Q: Can I air-fry the chickpeas?
Yes! Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Q: Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely — bell peppers, radishes, or avocado pair beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Fat: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 6 g