Name: Devastatingly Delicious Chickpea Salad Recipe in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, grated; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups mixed yellow and red grape tomatoes, halved; ½ English cucumber, diced; ½ cup Pickled Red Onions; ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup chopped fresh dill; ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, plus whole mint leaves for garnish

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I’m *obsessed* with salads that are anything but boring, you know? This Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs? Total game-changer. It’s that easy vegan option you’re *always* searching for, but with a flavor explosion that’ll make you forget all about sad desk lunches. I first had something similar at a tiny cafe in Greece, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since. Trust me, this version is the *best*!

Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Okay, so why *this* chickpea salad? Well, it’s seriously addictive! It’s got that perfect mix of tangy, fresh, and savory, and it’s SO simple to throw together. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you stuff. What’s not to love, right?

Quick and Easy Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that takes forever. You can whip up this amazing chickpea salad in like, 20 minutes flat. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

Flavorful and Refreshing Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

The pickled red onions? They’re the *star*. They add this incredible tang. And with the fresh herbs? Wow! It’s so bright and refreshing – like a party in your mouth.

Healthy and Vegan Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Yep, it’s vegan! And it’s loaded with protein and fiber from the chickpeas. You can feel good about eating this. It’s actually good for you *and* delicious!

Ingredients for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need a few key things to make this Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs sing. First, you’ll want 2 tablespoons of good extra-virgin olive oil – don’t skimp! Then, grab 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (the bottled stuff just isn’t the same, trust me). You’ll also need 1 garlic clove, grated – I use a microplane. A teaspoon each of Dijon mustard and sea salt. Freshly ground black pepper, of course!

For the main ingredients: 3 cups of cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed (I usually use canned to save time). 2 cups of mixed yellow and red grape tomatoes, halved. Half an English cucumber, diced. Then, the magic: ½ cup of my Pickled Red Onions (recipe coming soon!). ½ cup of kalamata olives, pitted and halved. And finally, loads of fresh herbs: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, and ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, plus some whole mint leaves for garnish. Yum!

Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs - detail 2

How to Make Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff – actually *making* this amazing salad! It’s so simple, I promise. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be munching on deliciousness in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing for the Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

First, we need to make the dressing. Just grab a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Get it nice and emulsified, you know?

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Now, add the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, pickled onions (the *best* part!), and olives to that bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently until it’s all nicely coated.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Serve the Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Finally, add the chopped parsley, dill, and mint. Toss it all again. Then, taste and season with extra salt and pepper if you need it. Garnish with those pretty mint leaves and serve! I like it best right away, but it’s also good chilled.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? No stress! This Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs is super flexible. Here are some easy swaps you can make!

Chickpea Substitutions for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

No chickpeas? No problem! You can totally use cannellini beans or even lentils instead. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained well. It’ll still be yummy!

Pickled Red Onion Variations for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

If you don’t have pickled red onions on hand, try quick-pickling some shallots or even cucumbers. A little rice vinegar and sugar does the trick! For more pickling ideas, check out this guide to quick-pickling red onions.

Herb Options for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Don’t have all the herbs? That’s fine! Use what you’ve got. Basil, oregano, or even a little cilantro can be delicious in this Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs.

Tips for the Best Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Want to take this Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few little secrets that’ll make all the difference!

Ensuring Optimal Flavor in Your Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Fresh is best, always! Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and *definitely* don’t skip the fresh herbs. And taste, taste, taste! Season it until it’s perfect for *you*.

Making Ahead Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

You can totally make this ahead! Just hold off on adding the herbs until right before you serve it. That way, they stay nice and vibrant, not all wilted.

Serving Suggestions for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Okay, so you’ve got this *amazing* Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs… now what? Well, honestly, it’s fantastic all on its own! But if you wanna make it a full meal, I’ve got some ideas for you. Try serving it with some warm pita bread or toasted naan for scooping. It’s also great as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Or, stuff it into a pita pocket with some hummus for a super easy and delicious lunch! For more easy recipes, check out our collection.

Storing Leftover Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs keeps pretty well. Just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s almost better the next day! I don’t recommend freezing it, though – the texture gets a little weird.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Got questions about this amazing Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common things people ask me.

Can I make Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs ahead of time?

Totally! It’s actually a great make-ahead dish. Just prep everything, but hold off on adding the fresh herbs ’til right before you serve it. Keeps the salad looking and tasting its best!

How long does Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs last in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will be good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. The flavors get even better as they meld, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!

Is Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs healthy?

You bet! It’s packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, plus tons of vitamins from all those fresh veggies. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to get your greens (and reds, and yellows!). For more information on the health benefits of chickpeas, you can consult resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Nutritional Information for Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

Okay, just a little note: the nutritional info below is just an estimate! It can change depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, etc.). So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Rate this Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs

So, what do you think? Did you love this Chickpea Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Herbs as much as I do? Leave a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends – they’ll thank you for it!