Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

 

Ingredients:

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

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea salad mixture in the large bowl.

4. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad as a refreshing side dish or as a light and nutritious meal on its own.

8. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with every bite!

Note: Feel free to customize this salad by adding other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients such as diced bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, or artichoke hearts. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad for an extra burst of flavor.