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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad featuring chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy red vinegar and Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 14 oz cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed, about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts (jarred, drained or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata or Niçoise olives, halved
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, mint, basil, and/or dill

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp red vinegar
  • 3 tbsp minced red onion or shallots
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp smooth Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Optional Garnish

  • Toasted slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, halved olives, capers, and chopped fresh herbs. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients without mashing the chickpeas.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the red vinegar, minced red onion or shallots, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried thyme, and salt. If using a bowl, whisk these ingredients while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. If using a jar, add all ingredients including the olive oil, secure the lid, and shake vigorously until well combined.
  3. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Let It Rest: Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature. This rest time helps the flavors meld and enhances the salad’s taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the salad with toasted slivered almonds for added crunch and a nutty finish. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

  • The salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop even more.
  • Use fresh herbs according to your preference or availability; parsley, mint, basil, and dill all work wonderfully.
  • For a vegan option, ensure the maple syrup and mustard used are vegan-friendly.
  • To add more protein, consider topping with crumbled feta cheese if dietary restrictions allow.
  • Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant for the best flavor.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/mediterranean-chickpea-salad-recipe/