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

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  • 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

    • Lexi

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

      Reply

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Jeanne Rademacher

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

    Reply

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

Can you eat raw chickpeas in a salad? ›

Uncooked chickpeas from a can or jar may be somewhat bland in taste and have a softer texture. Most people prefer to use them in various recipes or dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, or as a topping for dishes like hummus.

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!

Is chickpea salad good for health? ›

What makes this salad healthy? Chickpeas are known for having high protein content, which is great for anyone looking to lose weight, while aiming to build lean muscles. It is a great food to curb hunger and do away with all the unhealthy cravings. Furthermore, chickpeas help with digestion as it is high in fiber.

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 chickpeas and garbanzo beans 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.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

Is it OK to eat chickpeas everyday? ›

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.

Why can't my stomach handle chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas are made up of oligosaccharides, sugars that are also found in other foods like rye, onions, and garlic. Since they are highly concentrated in chickpeas, a lot of it has to pass through our system, causing longer and more severe bouts of bloating or uneasiness.

Can I have chickpea salad everyday? ›

Chickpeas can be gassy, but somewhat less so than other legumes. Up to 1/4 cup of chickpeas daily is allowed on a low FODMAP diet for digestive issues. Gradually add chickpeas and other legumes to your diet to allow your body to adjust. Over time, you will better tolerate them.

Can I eat chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, and low in glycemic index. All this makes chickpeas great for weight loss, as they promote a feeling of fullness. Not to mention, chickpeas also reduce your appetite and can hence help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

Chickpeas can positively impact your high blood sugar due to their low GI, high fibre and protein content. However, consuming legumes as part of a balanced meal is essential, as excessive consumption or high-GI ingredients added to chickpea recipes can raise your blood sugar levels.

Are chickpeas anti inflammatory? ›

Ingredients like Greek yogurt, raspberries, chickpeas and garlic are both gut-healthy and anti-inflammatory foods. This means these snacks can help aid in healthy digestion as well as relieve symptoms of inflammation like joint stiffness, mental fog and high blood pressure.

What is the white stuff in can of chickpeas? ›

What Is It? Aquafaba is the thick liquid that results from soaking or cooking legumes, such as chickpeas, in water for an extended period of time.

What is the difference between garbanzo flour and chickpea? ›

Besan flour, gram flour, and garbanzo bean flour are all chickpea flours; they're just made from different varieties of chickpeas. Chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour is milled using whole white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Besan or gram flour is made by grinding split brown chickpeas (chana dal) into a fine powder.

Are canned chickpeas fresh? ›

It seems that chickpeas are usually sold either canned (pre-cooked and stored in liquid) or in dried form. Most other vegetables are also sold fresh and raw, like they are harvested.

Is it OK to eat raw chickpeas? ›

People should not eat raw chickpeas or other raw pulses, as they can contain toxins and substances that are difficult to digest. Even cooked chickpeas have complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and lead to intestinal gas and discomfort.

Can you eat chickpeas on a raw food diet? ›

Legumes and grains are eaten raw, like chickpeas and mung beans. Other allowable foods include extra-virgin olive oil, raw virgin coconut oil, raw coconut butter, freshly squeezed juice, and herbal tea. Foods that are off limits include refined sugars and flours, table salt, and caffeine.

Do you have to cook chickpeas or can you eat them raw? ›

Eating raw chickpeas isn't recommended. You will have a really hard time digesting them. Some recipes use the chickpeas raw after soaking, but they cook the recipe as part of the process. One example is falafel.

Can you eat raw chickpeas on an empty stomach? ›

Soaked chickpeas on an empty stomach in morning will protect from obesity, diabetes and other diseases. Chana is very beneficial for health. It has been revealed in many researches that if you consume a handful of chickpeas every day, then all small and serious diseases related to the body will be removed forever.

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