This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. It's packed with fresh flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and craving more. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
Cucumbers serve as the refreshing base of the salad, providing a crisp texture. Opt for English cucumbers if you prefer fewer seeds. Chickpeas offer a hearty protein boost and a creamy texture that complements the crunch. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while red onion brings a mild pungency that balances the other flavors. Kalamata olives lend a salty, briny depth, while feta cheese adds a tangy creaminess. Finally, fresh parsley brightens everything up with its herbaceous notes.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a warm pita bread and hummus spread. For a picnic or potluck, it’s a standout side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in those thinly sliced cucumbers — they’re the star of the show, after all. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. They might need a gentle pat with a towel to dry off a bit. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and throw them in. The red onion should be sliced as thinly as you can manage; it adds a nice bite without overpowering everything else. Finally, add the Kalamata olives. If they’re not already halved, a quick slice will do the trick.
Now, in a smaller bowl, whisk together your dressing: the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. It should be tangy and flavorful. Pour this over the salad mixture, and toss everything together until it’s well combined. You want each ingredient to get a little bit of that dressing.
Once everything is mixed, gently fold in the crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Be careful here — you don’t want to mash the cheese too much. At this point, you can serve it up right away or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer a chilled salad where the flavors have had time to meld together.
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