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Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Zesty Lemon Za’atar Dressing

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad - featured image
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A quick, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean chickpea salad featuring crisp veggies, creamy chickpeas, and a zesty lemon za’atar dressing perfect for summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon za’atar spice blend
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and olives. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes). Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the parsley finely, and slice the olives. Chop the red onion finely and soak in cold water for 5 minutes if desired to mellow sharpness.
  2. Open the can of chickpeas, drain them in a colander, and rinse under cold water. Shake off excess water well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, za’atar spice, and honey or maple syrup if using. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies slightly and smells fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly. If adding feta, sprinkle it on last and fold in carefully.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or pepper if needed. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Soak red onion in cold water to mellow sharpness. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce canned taste and sodium. Let salad rest chilled for 15-20 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess. For vegan option, omit feta or use vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, lemon za'atar dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, quick salad, vegan salad option, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-with-zesty-lemon-zaatar-dressing-easy-healthy-recipe-for-summer/