Name: Chickpea and Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing, Nutritious Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Chickpea and cucumber salad is a cold salad made primarily with chickpeas and cucumbers, accompanied by a flavorful dressing. It often includes other fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs, bringing both crunch and freshness to the dish. The dressing is typically a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices such as cumin, making it zesty and aromatic.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 large cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients for the salad. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas to remove any excess sodium. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, slice them in half.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Add the fresh parsley or cilantro to give the salad an aromatic touch.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. The olive oil creates a rich base for the dressing, while the lemon juice adds a tangy kick, and the cumin gives the salad a warm, earthy flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well combined. Ensure that the vegetables and chickpeas are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the refreshing qualities of the dish. Once chilled, serve and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint also make a great addition!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Chickpea and Cucumber Salad