Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad

Isn't it just wonderful when we find dishes that tick all the boxes? Healthful, refreshing, utterly delicious, and, bonus, ridiculously easy to whip up? You're in for such a treat today! In the spotlight today, we've got a colorful symphony of flavors and textures - a dazzling chickpea cucumber salad with tomato.

This isn't just a salad; it's a celebration of seasonal, plant-based goodness that's as nutritious as it is flavorful and works as a main dish, side dish, or even as an appetizer.

The winning combination of nourishment, taste, and simplicity sets this cucumber and chickpea salad with tomato apart.

Then there's the ease factor: this cucumber chickpea salad is a dream come true for busy bees. With just a handful of ingredients like canned chickpeas and a few quick chops and tosses, you've got yourself a salad that looks like a gourmet treat from a swanky bistro, great for a light lunch, potlucks or to take on a picnic.

The magic lies in the symphony of flavors - the earthiness of chickpeas, the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, and the vibrant tang of fresh herbs.

Jump to:

• 🧾 Ingredients
• 🔪 Instructions
• 🥢 How to serve
• 🍶 Substitutions
• 📖 Variations
• 🍽 Equipment
• 🥡 Storage
• 💡 Top tip
• ❓ FAQ
• 📚 More Healthy Mediterranean Salad recipes
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

🧾 Ingredients

This cucumber chickpea salad recipe is made with just a few delicious ingredients:

• Chickpeas: These legumes are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them a key component in plant-based diets, contributing to satiety and balanced nutrition.
• Red bell pepper: It provides a pop of color and is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that boost the immune system and promote skin health.
• English cucumbers diced: Their high water content aids in hydration, while their crunchiness contrasts with the other ingredients, enhancing the salad's texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: These sweet, tangy bites are full of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Red onion: Adding a bit of sharpness and crunch, red onions also come with quercetin, a compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
• Dried oregano: This aromatic herb infuses this great salad with Mediterranean vibes and contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells against damage.
• Fresh basil lends a sweet, peppery essence to the salad and boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Red wine vinegar: Its acidity combines all the flavors while also providing probiotics, which are great for gut health.
• Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat to the salad, increasing the complexity of flavors while potentially boosting your metabolism.
• Optional - extra virgin olive oil: Though optional, a drizzle of this heart-healthy oil can add a luxurious, silky touch and aid in the absorption of vitamins from the vegetables.

🔪 Instructions

This chickpea salad involves 3 simple steps.

1. Washing and preparing your ingredients.
2. Chopping in sizable chunks.
3. Combining all the ingredients.

Hint: leave some cherry or grape tomatoes unhalved to experience different textures and pops in your mouth!

Serve and garnish with black pepper, fresh basil, or parsley leaves.

Read on: Green Mediterranean Diet for weight loss.

🥢 How to serve

Serving this salad is as flexible as preparing it.

1. Healthy side dish: Complement your main with a splash of color and freshness, pairing perfectly with a variety of mains, from grilled tofu to veggie burgers.
2. Stand-alone meal: Add a generous portion to a bowl and enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
3. Wraps and sandwiches: Make your sandwiches or wraps more exciting by using this salad as a filling. It adds a burst of flavor and a nice crunchy texture.
4. Stuffed vegetables: For a fun, visually appealing meal, try stuffing bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes with this salad.
5. Picnic or party food: This salad travels well, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering.

🍶 Substitutions

• Chickpeas: Lentils or black beans can be used as alternatives. They'll provide a slightly different taste but still offer similar nutritional benefits.
• Red bell pepper: Yellow or green bell peppers can be used instead or a mix for a vibrant, colorful salad.
• English cucumber: Any type of cucumber works; Persian cucumbers are great as well. If you're using a variety with thicker skin, you might want to peel it first. Also, you may want to deseed watery cucumbers before adding them to the salad.
• Cherry tomatoes: Any ripe tomatoes can be used. Diced larger tomatoes or sundried tomatoes can offer different textures and flavors.
• Red onion: If you find red onion too sharp, you could use spring onions or shallots instead. For a milder flavor, use chives.
• Dried oregano: Try dried basil, fresh dill, or thyme as a swap, considering that each will lend a different flavor profile.
• Fresh basil: Fresh dill, parsley, or mint can give a refreshing twist.
• Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used for a similar tangy effect.
• Red pepper flakes: If you want less heat, reduce the quantity or leave it out. For more heat, try a dash of hot sauce.

📖 Variations

1. Greek Style: Add a handful of pitted chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled vegan feta cheese.
2. Grilled Variation: Give your veggies a smoky upgrade. Lightly grill the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes before adding them to the salad.
3. Spicy kick: You can also add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to add a sharp and slightly spicy kick to the salad dressing.

🍽 Equipment

Bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for mixing all the ingredients together. It allows easy stirring without spilling over the sides, ensuring that all the salad components get evenly coated in the dressing. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve as both your mixing and serving vessel.

🥡 Storage

Proper storage not only extends the life of your salad but also helps maintain its flavor and freshness. Here's how you can store this chickpea salad:

• Fridge: After preparation, you can store the salad in the fridge in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Meal Prep: This salad is an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare a big batch and portion it out into individual containers for quick, ready-to-go meals throughout the week. You might want to store the seasonings separately and add them just before eating to keep them as fresh as possible.

❓ FAQ

📚 More Healthy Mediterranean Salad recipes

You may also like our fresh and raw veggies; try our Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad and our marinated mushroom salad, made in minutes!

Also, try our Mediterranean Vegan Honey Roasted Vegetables if you are craving warm veggies!

⭐ If you try this cucumber and chickpea salad recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

📋 Recipe