Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas:

• Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Chop and Dice Vegetables:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

3. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• Add the chickpeas to the bowl of vegetables.
• Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture.

5. Toss and Chill:

• Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated in the dressing.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a burst of freshness.
• Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad as a refreshing and nutritious side dish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Note: You can customize this salad by adding other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra citrusy kick. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!