Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Dish

Welcome back to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine: the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. This salad is not only vibrant and refreshing but also incredibly nutritious and easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even as a wholesome meal on its own, this salad is versatile and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
• 15 oz chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 4 oz feta cheese, diced

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to create a zesty and flavorful dressing.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, and red onion. Add the avocado slices and chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness.
3. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure all the components are evenly coated with the dressing. This will enhance the flavors and ensure every bite is as delicious as the last.
4. Incorporate the Feta Cheese: Add the diced feta cheese to the salad. Gently mix it in to maintain the cheese’s texture while distributing its creamy flavor throughout the salad.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 180 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. Each ingredient adds a unique texture and taste that blend harmoniously, while the dressing ties it all together with a bright, citrusy note. Ideal for any season, this salad is especially perfect for the summer months when you crave something light yet satisfying.

Try out this recipe for your next potluck or family gathering, and watch it become a new favorite. Not only is it pleasing to the palate, but it also offers numerous health benefits, thanks to the fiber-rich chickpeas and array of fresh vegetables. Enjoy this delicious excursion into Mediterranean cuisine, and happy cooking!

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