This refreshing chickpea salad is brightened up with zesty lemon and creamy feta. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a delicious dish ready to go! Plus, it’s a great way to use up that extra lemon sitting in your fridge! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you prefer, you can use dried chickpeas, just soak and cook them beforehand. Bean lovers can also try white beans as a tasty alternative.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a wonderful creaminess! If you’re dairy-free, try vegan feta or crumble some tofu with a splash of lemon for a similar taste.
Red Onion: Red onion brings sharpness to the salad. If it’s too strong for your taste, you can substitute it with green onions or chives for a milder flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the salad! If you don’t have it, cilantro or even arugula can work as a good substitute.
How Do You Make Sure the Dressing Is Just Right?
Getting the dressing perfect makes all the difference! Start with fresh lemon juice for brightness. Here’s how to mix it up:
- Whisk lemon juice with olive oil until combined.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper gradually, tasting as you go!
- Let it sit for a few minutes—this helps the flavors develop better.
Don’t forget that you can always adjust the seasoning after tossing it with the salad—every lemon can have a different level of tartness!
Easy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare with an additional 15-20 minutes to chill in the fridge for the flavors to come together nicely. In just half an hour, you can have a refreshing and nutritious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Then toss in the cubed feta cheese, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing will add flavor and bring all the ingredients together.
3. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the lemon dressing over the chickpea mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon, making sure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste! If you feel it needs more flavor, you can add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice until it’s just right for your taste buds.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld beautifully. Once ready, serve it cold or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges if you like!
Enjoy this bright, fresh, and protein-packed salad perfect for an easy meal or side dish! It’s healthy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor! 🍋🥗
FAQ for Easy Lemony Chickpea Feta Salad
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the salad. One cup of dried chickpeas usually yields about two cans of canned chickpeas once cooked!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some of the liquid may settle at the bottom.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for vegan feta or crumbled tofu. You can also add in some avocado for creaminess!
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This chickpea salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a filling for wraps and pitas. It also works great as a side dish for barbecues or picnics!
