Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta and Olives

Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean with our vibrant Chickpea Salad. This refreshing dish features hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes, making this salad a perfect choice for a light and nutritious meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chickpeas:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas.

2. Adding Vegetables:

• Add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl.

3. Incorporating Olives and Feta:

• Gently fold in sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.

4. Making the Vinaigrette:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.

5. Tossing and Marinating:

• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Garnishing and Serving:

• Before serving, garnish the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with chopped fresh parsley.

7. Enjoying the Chickpea Salad:

• Revel in the Mediterranean essence of this vibrant and nutritious Chickpea Salad. Each spoonful combines the earthy notes of chickpeas with the crispness of vegetables, the richness of feta, and the briny touch of olives.

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a delightful side to complement your favorite main course.