Lemon-Herb Chickpea Garden Salad
Lemon-Herb Chickpea Garden Salad is a fresh, light, and nourishing Mediterranean salad made with tender chickpeas, crisp garden vegetables, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s refreshing, protein-rich, and perfect for warm days, meal prep, or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
This salad is non-spicy, clean, and naturally wholesome—exactly Mediterranean comfort with a modern touch.
⏱ Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Salad
1½ cups cooked chickpeas (boiled or canned, rinsed well)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional but recommended)
Lemon-Herb Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the base
In a large mixing bowl, add the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Add fresh herbs
Gently mix in the chopped parsley and mint for a fresh Mediterranean aroma.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Finish
Sprinkle feta cheese on top just before serving.
6. Rest (optional)
Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
🌟 Tips for Best Taste
Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for real Mediterranean flavor
Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove canned taste
Chop vegetables evenly for better texture
Add feta at the end to keep it soft and creamy
🔄 Variations
Add avocado cubes for creaminess
Replace chickpeas with white beans or lentils
Add olives for a more Greek-style salad
Make it oil-free by replacing olive oil with extra lemon juice + a little water
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It stays fresh for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Add feta just before serving.
Q: Is this salad good for weight loss?
Absolutely. It’s high in fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats.
Q: Can I skip feta cheese?
Yes, it’s optional. The salad still tastes fresh and delicious without it.
Q: What can I serve it with?
Grilled chicken, baked fish, pita bread, or hummus.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 8 g
Fat: 12 g
Sugar: 4 g