Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Lexi

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This Greek Chickpea Salad is ready in 10 minutes for the perfect easy lunch or light dinner! It's packed with crunchy vegetables, olives, feta cheese, chickpeas and a zesty homemade Greek dressing. This is the perfect filling and healthy salad to add to your meal prep rotation.

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (1)
Jump to:
  • 🥗 Why We Love This Recipe
  • 🥒 Ingredients
  • 📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🎥Video Tutorial
  • 💭 Expert Tips and FAQs
  • Related Recipes
  • 💬 Reviews

🥗 Why We Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: This Greek chickpea salad is ready in less than 10 minutes! The perfect easy lunch, light dinner or side dish.
  • Allergy friendly: naturally gluten free and vegan-friendly (just sub the feta with a vegan alternative) for everyone to enjoy.
  • Meal prep friendly: this is our #1 make-ahead salad. It stores perfectly in the fridge and doesn't get soggy since there's no lettuce.
  • SO much better than a plain, boring chopped salad, but it still makes use of plenty of fresh vegetables. A great recipe to get picky eaters to eat more salad!

🥒 Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you'll need to make this easy Greek chickpea salad:

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (2)

📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Canned chickpeas: Drain and rinse well before using.
    • Pro tip: You can always save the liquid (aquafaba) for homemade chocolate mousse or vegan meringues!
  • Kalamata olives: It's easiest to buy a jar of pitted, halved kalamata olives so you don't have to do any extra work. We always keep a jar in the fridge.
    • If you don't like kalamata olives, you can sub them with marinated artichokes or a milder olive, like castelvetrano olives.
  • Feta cheese: Use regular feta of choice, or if you are vegan or dairy free, try this VioLife vegan feta –it's SO good!
  • I'm not a fan of raw red onion, but if you are, feel free to add some to this salad. You can also add quick pickled red onion for some extra zing.
  • For some extra spice, add some chopped pepperoncini peppers.
  • Avocado makes for a great topping and a nice way to add more healthy fats!
  • Serve on a bed of leafy greens like romaine, spinach, or butter lettuce.
  • Not a fan of chickpeas? Try white beans instead.
  • Crunch factor: top with seeds (I like sea salted sunflower seeds) or croutons.

🔪 Instructions

Start by making the Greek salad dressing. Whisk together red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (3)

Prepping the vegetables for the salad is quick and easy. Be sure to chop everything roughly the same size so it's easy to eat.

Once the vegetables are prepped, add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss well with your homemade Greek dressing.

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (4)

You can either mix the feta into the salad or add it just before serving as a topping.

That's it – the perfect, filling, delicious, healthy Greek chickpea salad in 10 minutes!

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (5)

🎥Video Tutorial

💭 Expert Tips and FAQs

  • Don't skip the dijon mustard! Dijon acts as an emulsifier, so the dressing gets thick and creamy.
  • The dressing will separate as it sits, so be sure to whisk it up well before serving.
  • Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few weeks. I store mine in a glass jar and shake it up well before using. It's so nice to have some on hand for a quick lunch!
  • You can also use the dressing as a marinade for proteins or drizzled onto roasted potatoes. Yum!

What should I serve Greek chickpea salad with?

We love this Greek chickpea salad alongside a grilled protein. For non-vegans, serve with grilled chicken or fish. For vegans, try this grilled tofu!

It's also great with these cauliflower steaks or with a simple sandwich or soup (like this creamy cauliflower soup).

How long does this Greek chickpea salad last in the fridge?


Since this salad doesn't contain any lettuce, it will last up to 5 days in a sealed container. You may want to add the cheese in just before serving.

What other vegetables can you add to Greek salad?


Feel free to add any of the following: celery, red onion, avocado, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and/or pepperoncini peppers.

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (6)
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Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (11)

Greek Chickpea Salad

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Greek Chickpea Salad is ready in 10 minutes for the perfect easy lunch or light dinner! It's packed with crunchy vegetables, olives, feta, chickpeas and a zesty homemade Greek dressing. This is the perfect filling and healthy salad to add to your meal prep rotation.

Salad:

  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups diced cucumber
  • 1 ½ cups diced bell pepper
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (can also use castelvetrano or another variety)
  • Optional: cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (regular or vegan)

Greek dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Juice from ½ of a lemon (~1 tablespoon)
  • ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas.
  2. Add to a mixing bowl with cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and olives.
  3. Whisk together all ingredients for Greek dressing.
  4. Toss salad in dressing and top with feta. Enjoy!

Notes

Make an extra batch or two of dressing and store in a glass jar in the fridge for a marinade for proteins or to use for a quick lunch!

Storage: You can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Feta cheese: Use your favorite feta cheese in this salad. Or, if you're vegan, there are now several vegan feta alternatives on the market that work well in this Greek chickpea salad!

Other add-ins: Feel free to add any of the following: celery, red onion, avocado, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and/or pepperoncini peppers.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: No cook
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Bowl
  • Calories: 329
  • Sugar: 5.5 g
  • Sodium: 774.7 mg
  • Fat: 22.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25.8 g
  • Fiber: 7.5 g
  • Protein: 9.7 g

More Salad Recipes

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  • Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
  • Edamame Crunch Salad
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Let us know what you think!

  1. Kydbs Sinclair

    My whole family loves this delicious salad.

    Reply

  2. Betsy

    Love this salad! It's in my regular rotation for meal prep, and I love having a healthy, filling and tasty option at the ready during a busy week.

    Reply

    • Lexi

      Thank you Betsy, I'm so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

  3. Sarah G.

    Loved this salad. Tangy and delicious. I have made it a couple times and it is a crowd pleaser. It's different than your usual pasta salad with no added sugars.

    • Lexi

      Thank you so much, Sarah! Really appreciate it and so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

  4. Sally feldman

    Soooo good! Made just as written. I grilled some marinated honey bourbon chicken for dinner and ate it with the salad one night, then added the left over chicken to the salad and ate the leftovers for lunch the next day. My husband and I loved the flavors!

    Reply

  5. Heather

    I made this recipe yesterday and just had it for lunch. Wow, so flavorful! I really could eat the whole bowl. I did leave the olives out, but followed the recipe other than that. This one is a keeper.

    Reply

    • Brent Harrison

      Between you and me, I'm not crazy about olives either. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  6. Jeanne Rademacher

    My college aged son made this and loved it. Much healthier than pizza and beer!!

    Reply

  7. Elizabeth

    Loved this salad! I made a double batch and shared with my in-laws!

    Reply

    • Lexi

      Yay so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for your comment, Elizabeth!

      Reply

  8. Leah

    I made this salad yesterday as a side dish to go with homemade pizzas and I got a ton of compliments. It was simple and so fresh! The leftovers were even better today. I will definitely be making this one again!

    Reply

    • Lexi

      Oh yay, so thrilled to hear that! It's perfect with pizza. Thank you so much for your comment, Leah!

      Reply

  9. Yg

    I love this salad sooooo much and make it weekly. So delicious!

    Reply

    • Lexi

      Love to hear that!! Thanks so much for your comment!

      Reply

  10. Ciarra

    Just made this and then ate almost the entire thing in one sitting. So good!!

    Reply

    • Lexi

      I always eat the whole thing too 😂 So glad you enjoyed - thank you so much for your comment, Ciarra!

      Reply

  11. Susan

    Easy, delicious and filling!

    Reply

    • Lexi

      So glad you enjoyed, Susan! Thank you so much for your comment!

      Reply

Greek Chickpea Salad (10 minute recipe) | Crowded Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time to eat chickpea salad? ›

Normally I like to eat this salad for lunch over mixed greens or spinach but you can also enjoy it as is. It's full of plant-based protein from chickpeas, a great option to pack for lunch, or even as an easy side dish for a BBQ or potluck, so let's do it up!

What does a chickpea salad contain? ›

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. Chickpea Salad combines all of my favorite fresh vegetables in one delicious bite. Chickpeas are combined with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocados all tossed in an easy homemade lemon kissed dressing.

Why is Greek salad so good? ›

The foundation of a Greek salad consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all of which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These vegetables are known to support overall health and are especially beneficial for maintaining clear skin and good digestion.

Can you eat chickpeas out of a can for salad? ›

Can I eat chickpeas from the can? Canned chickpeas are already cooked and ready to serve. This makes them so convenient to keep on hand when you need to add a quick protein to salads.

Is it okay to eat chickpeas every day? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

Can I eat chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Due to the high fiber and protein content, chickpeas are considered to be great for weight loss. It is said to slow down digestion, improve satiety and keep unhealthy calories at bay. All of these factors help in shedding kilos and maintaining a healthy weight.

Do canned chickpeas need to be cooked? ›

Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked chickpeas. You can eat canned chickpeas straight out of the can! (Just be sure to rinse them off before chowing down to wash out excess sodium) Otherwise, you can roast them or turn them into any number of delicious dishes, like these here.

Which is healthier chickpeas or garbanzo beans? ›

So really, there is no wrong answer. Both are correct! This unique, nutrient-packed bean has been popular in the Middle East for many years, as chickpeas are a staple ingredient in many of the region's most well-known dishes like hummus and falafel.

Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same thing? ›

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.)

Will I lose weight if I eat Greek salad everyday? ›

Yes, Greek salad can be a great addition to a weight loss diet.

Can I eat Greek salad every day? ›

It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains ingredients full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as oil and onion, which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. We suggest adding this low-fat superfood to your everyday diet!

Do people in Greece eat Greek salad? ›

Like Bulgarian Shopska or Italian Caprese, the classic table salad uses just a few humble ingredients, yet has become a totally iconic dish that's beloved around the world. In Greece, Horiatiki or Greek village salad, is served most often from early spring through summer and up until mid fall.

Should you peel canned chickpeas? ›

You can eat chickpeas with the skin on, but they're better without. When making hummus, removing the skins will make your hummus much creamier and rich. When it comes to roasting chickpeas, I find removing the skins gives the chickpeas more flavor.

Do canned chickpeas need to be cooked for hummus? ›

All you need to need is boil the canned chickpeas until they get extra mushy! Baking soda helps with the boiling.

Should canned chickpeas be rinsed? ›

Do You Need To Rinse Canned Beans? According to The Bean Institute, you can reduce up to 41 percent of the sodium in canned beans by rinsing them. "It's fine to add the bean liquid to many recipes, but if you want to reduce the amount of sodium, it's best to drain and rinse canned beans," the website states.

Is it good to eat chickpea salad at night? ›

Can I eat Chickpeas at night? Yes, it is ok to eat Chickpeas at night, in fact, they can be eaten at any time of day. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and a constituent (tryptophan) which helps in getting a healthy and sound sleep[6].

Should you eat chickpeas before bed? ›

Chickpeas and milk are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can help to improve sleep. Tryptophan gets converted to melatonin in the brain, as well as serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps promote sleep and relaxation.

Can we eat chickpea salad in dinner? ›

Yes! You can eat chickpeas at night because chickpeas are low in fat and high in protein. Please check a recipe given below. This Chickpea Salad Recipe is easy to make and makes a great side salad dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Is it OK to eat chickpeas in the morning? ›

There's lot to love about high-protein, hearty chickpeas, including what they can do for your morning meal. They're endlessly adaptable and, thanks to all that fiber, they'll help keep you full until lunch.

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