Description
This refreshing Chickpea Feta Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and healthy meal prep option perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Combining protein-packed chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpeas (rinsed and drained, about 15 oz)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (diced)
- 1 large English Cucumber (diced)
- Fresh Herbs (like basil or mint, to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive or Avocado Oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Dried Oregano, Garlic, and Parsley (for seasoning, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well blended and emulsified.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Dice the English cucumber and red onion into small pieces. Crumble the feta cheese and chop any fresh herbs you plan to use.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and well combined.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the salad’s taste and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill overnight if possible.
- You can substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative for a vegan version.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- This salad keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated, making it ideal for meal prep.
