This Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad is full of colorful veggies like crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and nutty chickpeas, all topped with tangy feta cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any meal!
Making this salad is a breeze! I love whipping it up when I need a quick side dish or snack. Just mix everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty burst of flavors! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient, but you can also use cooked dried chickpeas. Just soak and cook them ahead of time for an even fresher taste. If you’re looking for a twist, white beans or black beans work well too!
Cucumber: I love using English cucumbers due to their thin skin and fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, any cucumber will work, but consider peeling it to avoid bitterness. Radishes could be a nice crunchy substitute if you’re feeling adventurous!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this salad a nice tang. If you need a dairy-free option, you can try using crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice for a similar texture. Also, goat cheese or even nutritional yeast can add a different but tasty flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: I adore using sweet cherry tomatoes, but any ripe, juicy tomato will do. If you’re low on fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes are a great flavor booster. Just chop them up and add them in!
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Dressing?
Getting the dressing just right can take your salad up a notch. It’s easy to make, but here’s a tip to ensure full flavor:
- Start by whisking the olive oil and lemon juice together in a small bowl. This helps them combine smoothly.
- Add the minced garlic. I love fresh garlic, but if you prefer a milder taste, use garlic powder instead.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Tasting as you go is key! You can adjust to your liking, whether you want more tang or saltiness.
Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully, so don’t rush it!
Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad can be prepared in just about 10 minutes! If you let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, that allows the flavors to blend beautifully. So, in total, expect about 30 minutes for the entire process, including chill time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large bowl, start by combining the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions. This mix sets the perfect base for your salad!
2. Add the Feta and Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the cubed or crumbled feta cheese and add the chopped parsley. Their flavors will enhance the salad, making it even more delicious!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing really ties everything together.
4. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are evenly covered in the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, take a moment to taste your salad. You can adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or even lemon juice if you want a tangier flavor.
6. Chill and Serve:
To let the flavors meld together, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes if you have the time. This step makes it even more refreshing!
7. Enjoy Your Salad!
Finally, serve your Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad as a light meal or a delightful side dish. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas to substitute for the canned version. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before adding them to the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The veggies may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
You can easily customize this salad! Consider adding bell peppers for extra crunch, avocado for creaminess, or even olives for a salty kick. Just remember to adjust the dressing if you add more ingredients!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also try crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice for a similar texture and creaminess!
