Print

Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

fresh mediterranean chickpea salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A bright, fresh, and indulgent Mediterranean chickpea salad featuring a creamy lemon tahini dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a wholesome meal or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (seeded if preferred)
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
  • 1/2 cup (30 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup (45 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) tahini
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Veggies and Herbs (10 minutes): Rinse and drain chickpeas. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes then drain. Chop parsley and mint finely.
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a medium bowl or jar, combine tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and cumin. Add 2 tablespoons warm water and whisk or shake until creamy and smooth. Add more water if needed to reach pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients (2 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, add chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Add feta if using.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing (2 minutes): Pour dressing over salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Final Taste and Adjustments (1 minute): Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice as desired.

Notes

Soak red onion in cold water to mellow sharpness. Adjust dressing thickness with warm water. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep salad crisp. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For vegan option, omit feta or use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, lemon tahini dressing, healthy salad, vegan salad option, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-lemon-tahini-dressing/