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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

By Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writer

July 16, 2024

This Mediterranean-style salad is filling, healthy, and pleasing to the eye. Photo By C. Tamulonis.

Chickpeas may not appeal to everyone, but I encourage you to try this refreshing and healthy Mediterranean-style salad. Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are a hearty plant-based protein packed with minerals and fiber. Adding a cup to your daily diet will help you stay full and give you energy.

Ingredients

1 cup (or more) of canned chickpeas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup feta to crumble
¼ shredded fresh basil and mint

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
Juice from a freshly squeezed lemon, or around ⅛ of a cup
1 teaspoon sumac
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
A sprinkle of red pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly
2. Add the tomatoes, herbs, cheese
3. Whisk the dressing ingredients together, toss into the salad and serve immediately

Pairs well with: As a side, this salad goes well with pickled beets, fish or burgers. It does very well as its own standalone meal, especially as a make-ahead lunch. If making ahead, reserve the dressing in a jar and shake thoroughly before dressing.

Noshing Notes: Add other elements that make your palate happy like olives, red onion, sliced avocado or shrimp.

Waste Not, Want Not: Store in an airtight container for up to five days. Bury inedible leftovers in cold compost.

Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writer

Cybele is a writer and editor with more than 16 years in the publishing industry. An avid reader, you can usually find her with the latest new book release from the local library. She currently resides on a farm in Hardwick with her husband and four children. In her spare time, she writes historical fiction specific to New Jersey.