Fresh and Flavorful: Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad
If you’re in search of a vibrant, nutritious salad that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad. This refreshing dish combines the earthiness of beets, the crunch of cabbage, and the creaminess of avocado with a delightful mix of chickpeas, arugula, and feta. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, canned, rinsed, and drained
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped (red or green)
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/3 cup olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup beets, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 avocado, peeled and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon basil leaves, chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped cabbage. Pour the lemon juice over the cabbage and add the minced garlic. Massage the cabbage with your hands for a minute or two until it softens slightly. This step helps to tenderize the cabbage and infuse it with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and garlic.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- Add the chickpeas, arugula, pitted olives, chopped beets, crumbled feta cheese, chopped avocado, chopped basil leaves, and scallions to the bowl with the cabbage. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients bring together a medley of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and healthy.
3. Optional Presentation:
- For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the cabbage and arugula as the base of the salad, and layer the remaining ingredients on top. This won’t change the flavor but adds a beautiful touch to the dish, making it perfect for serving to guests.
4. Serve:
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top for an added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of earthy beets, tangy feta, and creamy avocado, all enhanced by the bright flavors of lemon and basil, creates a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a beautiful, nutritious salad ready to serve.
This Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad is a perfect example of how fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite Mediterranean dishes for a complete meal.
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Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Mediterranean Beets, Cabbage, and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of earthy beets, crunchy cabbage, and creamy avocado creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The feta cheese and olives add a salty, savory element, while the lemon juice and olive oil dressing brings a bright, zesty finish to the salad.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chickpeas, canned, rinsed, and drained
1 cup cabbage, chopped (red or green)
1 cup arugula
1/3 cup olives, pitted
1/2 cup beets, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon basil leaves, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage:
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped cabbage. Pour the lemon juice over the cabbage and add the minced garlic. Massage the cabbage with your hands for a minute or two until it softens slightly.
Assemble the Salad:
Add the chickpeas, arugula, pitted olives, chopped beets, crumbled feta cheese, chopped avocado, chopped basil leaves, and scallions to the bowl with the cabbage. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Presentation:
For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the cabbage and arugula as the base of the salad, and layer the remaining ingredients on top. This won’t change the flavor but adds a beautiful touch to the dish.
Serve:
Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top for an added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220