Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas
Cool, crisp cucumbers are tossed in a lemony yogurt dressing and topped with crunchy roasted chickpeas for the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and crunchy. A refreshing side dish or light lunch that’s full of Mediterranean flair.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook (for chickpeas): 25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumbers work best)
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Crunchy Chickpeas
1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika (optional, for warmth)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make Crunchy Chickpeas
1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
2. Pat chickpeas dry with a towel. Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Make Salad Base
1. In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add cucumber, red onion, and fresh dill/mint. Toss gently to coat.
3. Assemble
1. Transfer salad to a serving dish.
2. Top generously with warm crunchy chickpeas.
3. Garnish with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch: sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
If you prefer a non-creamy version, swap the yogurt dressing for olive oil + vinegar + lemon.
Make ahead: Prep salad base, but add chickpeas just before serving so they stay crispy.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I air-fry the chickpeas instead?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 200°C / 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Salad (without chickpeas) lasts 2–3 days in the fridge. Add chickpeas right before eating.
Q: Can I use different veggies?
A: Absolutely — try cherry tomatoes, radishes, or bell peppers for extra color.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~210
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g