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Greek chickpea cucumber salad
Pratiksh

Greek Chickpea Cucumber Salad - Fresh, Bright, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad

Ingredients
  

  • Canned chickpeas (2 cans, 15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • English cucumber (1 large) or 2 Persian cucumbers
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups), halved
  • Red onion (1 small), thinly sliced
  • Red bell pepper (1), diced
  • Kalamata olives (1/2 cup), pitted and halved
  • Feta cheese (4–6 oz), crumbled
  • Fresh parsley (1/2 cup), chopped
  • Fresh dill or mint (2–3 tablespoons), chopped (optional but great)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
  • Lemon (1 large), zested and juiced
  • Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic (1–2 cloves), finely minced
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Honey or maple syrup (1/2 teaspoon), optional for balance
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the red bell pepper. Keep pieces bite-sized for easy eating.
  2. Rinse the chickpeas well. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch and any canning liquid. Pat dry with a clean towel to prevent watering down the salad.
  3. Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the honey if using. Taste and adjust acid and salt.
  4. Combine in a large bowl. Add chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and chopped herbs. Pour over the dressing.
  5. Toss gently. Use a large spoon to combine until everything is coated. Add crumbled feta and toss once more, lightly, to keep some pieces intact.
  6. Rest for flavor. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes so the chickpeas soak up the dressing. This short rest makes a big difference.
  7. Final seasoning. Taste and adjust with more lemon, salt, or pepper. If you want extra richness, drizzle a touch more olive oil before serving.
  8. Serve. Enjoy chilled or at cool room temperature. It pairs well with grilled meats, pita, or as a hearty main on its own.