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Fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl Recipe Easy Healthy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Mediterranean chickpea salad bowl - featured image
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A fresh, vibrant Mediterranean chickpea salad bowl featuring crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy lemon tahini dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) tahini
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2–4 tablespoons water to thin (adjust based on desired consistency)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of ground cumin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry all fresh produce. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley finely.
  2. Pour the canned chickpeas into a colander and rinse under cold water. Let them drain well to avoid watering down the salad.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously, gradually adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a large bowl, add the chickpeas, diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Pour the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is coated evenly. Be gentle so the veggies stay crisp. If using feta, sprinkle it on top and gently fold it in last.
  6. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Stir tahini before measuring as it may separate. Rinse canned chickpeas well to remove excess salt and canned flavor. Letting the salad sit before serving improves flavor. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid soggy veggies. Toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds add nice crunch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea salad, lemon tahini dressing, healthy salad, easy chickpea salad, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fresh-mediterranean-chickpea-salad-bowl-recipe-easy-healthy-lemon-tahini-dressing/