Healthy Lunch Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Highlighted under: Daily Recipes

I love preparing this Healthy Lunch Mediterranean Chickpea Salad when I need a quick, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and zesty dressing that's both satisfying and refreshing. The best part is how customizable it is; you can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it takes only 15 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for those busy days when I crave something healthy yet delicious.

Naomi Ashcroft

Created by

Naomi Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:02:34.033Z

When I first made this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create such a vibrant dish. I tossed in some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, and that made all the difference! The chickpeas add a protein punch while keeping the salad filling. I particularly enjoy enjoying it cold as the flavors meld beautifully over time.

One of my favorite tips is to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This not only enhances the flavor, but it also ensures all the ingredients are well-marinated. Pairing it with crusty whole-grain bread or pita makes for a wholesome lunch that keeps me energized throughout the day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with protein and fiber for lasting energy
  • Vibrant flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean
  • Easily customizable with seasonal vegetables

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute any of your favorite veggies!

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, and olives. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Combine

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature!

Serve with pita or whole-grain bread for a complete meal!

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Pro Tips

  • You can add feta cheese or avocado for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing right before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include ingredients like carrots, radishes, or even spinach for variety!

→ Is it vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This salad is entirely plant-based and perfect for a vegan diet.

→ How can I change the flavor profile?

Experiment with different herbs and spices like basil or cilantro for a unique twist!

Healthy Lunch Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

I love preparing this Healthy Lunch Mediterranean Chickpea Salad when I need a quick, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and zesty dressing that's both satisfying and refreshing. The best part is how customizable it is; you can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it takes only 15 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for those busy days when I crave something healthy yet delicious.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Naomi Ashcroft

Recipe Type: Daily Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Salad Ingredients

  1. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  3. 1 cucumber, diced
  4. 1 red onion, finely chopped
  5. 1 bell pepper, diced
  6. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  7. 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Dressing

  1. 3 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  3. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  4. 1 clove garlic, minced
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, and olives. Toss gently to mix.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Step 03

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 04

Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature!

Extra Tips

  1. You can add feta cheese or avocado for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 9g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 8g