Hey y'all! If you're looking for a crisp, refreshing dish that's bursting with Mediterranean flavor, you’ve just found your new favorite—Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta. This salad features hearty chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta tossed with a zesty lemon dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, quick lunches, or as a vibrant side at dinner. Ready to taste summer in every bite? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
- Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required—perfect for busy days!
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber thanks to the hearty chickpeas.
- Full of fresh, vibrant flavors from the crisp veggies and tangy feta cheese.
- Versatile for meal prep, lunches, or as a colorful side dish at gatherings.
- Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and add-ins.
Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups diced cucumber (about 1 medium cucumber)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh parsley and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Whisk the Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 4: Combine and Finish with Feta
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until the veggies and chickpeas are well coated. Gently fold in the crumbled feta. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes for the Best Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
- For the best texture, use English cucumbers—they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin (learn more about cucumber varieties).
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Make it vegan by swapping out feta for your favorite plant-based cheese.
Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add kalamata olives and roasted red pepper strips for extra tang and color.
- Avocado Boost: Mix in diced avocado just before serving for creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Required Equipment for Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best eaten fresh, but the flavors continue to develop as it sits. Stir before serving, and add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
This salad makes a light lunch on its own, or pair it with grilled chicken, baked fish, or warm pita bread for a heartier meal. It’s also a perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or as part of a mezze platter. For more healthy salad ideas, check out EatingWell's vegetable salads.
Pro Tips for the Best Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta
- Use the freshest veggies possible—freshness is key for the crunch and flavor (how to store veggies for freshness).
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor infusion.
- Always crumble the feta yourself for creamier, richer flavor compared to pre-crumbled packages.
Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta FAQ
- Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
- Absolutely! Just soak and cook dried chickpeas according to package directions—about 1.5 cups cooked equals one can.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- Yes, Fresh Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta is naturally gluten-free—just double check your feta and seasonings to be sure.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Definitely! Prep and mix the salad (except for the feta), store in the fridge, and add the feta just before serving for best texture.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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3Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
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4Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss lightly to distribute without breaking up the feta too much.
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5Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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