Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing

Looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients? This Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing is your perfect go-to recipe. Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is ideal for a quick lunch, side dish, or even meal prep. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and incredibly nourishing.

Ingredients for Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

• 1 cucumber (diced)

• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing:

Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (if using), Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.

Combine the Salad and Dressing: Pour the lemon dressing over the chickpea salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light lunch or a nutritious side dish!

Why This Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing Works:

• Chickpeas: Full of plant-based protein, chickpeas make this salad filling and satisfying while supporting digestive health.

• Cucumber and Tomatoes: These vegetables add hydration, freshness, and vitamins, giving the salad a burst of flavor and texture.

• Lemon Dressing: The tangy lemon dressing brings a burst of brightness to the salad, while the olive oil adds healthy fats to keep you satisfied longer.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds vibrant color but also contributes additional antioxidants and vitamins to the salad.

A Versatile and Healthy Dish

This Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing is incredibly versatile. You can add other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or avocado to make it even more exciting. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to customize, and is a great addition to any lunch or dinner. The zesty lemon dressing elevates the entire dish, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.