Description
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup dried cherries
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)
For the Lemon Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, feta cheese, dried cherries, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and toasted nuts if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all .
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 290 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley, and crumble the feta cheese. If using, toast the nuts in a dry pan until fragrant, then chop them roughly.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified.
3. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dried cherries, and crumbled feta. Gently toss these base ingredients together.
4. Dress and Marinate: Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the salad. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is lightly coated. Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This marinating time is crucial for the flavors to meld.
5. Final Touches and Serve: Just before serving, add the toasted nuts (if using) to maintain their crunch. Give the salad one final gentle toss and check for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant chickpea salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a hearty, protein-packed main dish for a light lunch. It also makes a perfect side for grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. For a complete meal-prep option, store it in an airtight container and enjoy it over a bed of leafy greens or stuffed into a pita pocket. The flavors develop even more overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
How-to Summary
Quickly combine chickpeas, feta, cherries, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and parsley. Whisk together a simple lemon-honey dressing, toss with the salad, and let it marinate briefly before serving for maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the toasted nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What can I use instead of dried cherries?
Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins make excellent substitutes for a similar sweet and chewy element.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or use a vegan feta alternative. For a different flavor, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata would also work well.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a cup of cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous to transform it into a more substantial grain bowl.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may release some liquid, so give it a stir before serving again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid skipping the marinating time; those 10-15 minutes allow the chickpeas and vegetables to absorb the dressing. Do not use canned chickpeas without rinsing them, as the leftover liquid can make the salad taste metallic and muddy the flavors. Be cautious when adding salt, as feta cheese is already quite salty—always taste after tossing. Finally, do not add the nuts too early if you want to preserve their satisfying crunch.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta and Cherries is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfectly balancing creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy elements. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Quick to prepare, adaptable, and delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for easy meals that never compromise on taste.
