Chilled Lemon Chickpea Salad

As the warm weather approaches, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to cool down and nourish the body. Among the myriad of salad options, the Chilled Zesty Lemon Chickpea Salad stands out for its vibrant flavors and delightful textures. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a plethora of health benefits, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch at home.

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Chilled Zesty Lemon Chickpea Salad! Loaded with protein-packed chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is refreshing and nutritious. Toss in fresh herbs and a tangy lemon dressing for a burst of flavor. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch at home, it's easy to customize to your taste. Enjoy the vibrant colors and health benefits of this delightful salad, perfect for warm weather!

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Feta cheese or vegan feta (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Set aside.

Chop Fresh Veggies: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with chickpeas.

Mix in Herbs: Incorporate the chopped parsley and mint into the mixture. These fresh herbs will add a delicious aroma and flavor to the salad.

Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or agave), and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.

Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If possible, chill for a few hours for an even more refreshing taste.

Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. If desired, sprinkle with feta cheese or a vegan alternative for added creaminess. Enjoy your chilled lemon chickpea salad as a light lunch or side dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings