Name: Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 4 pieces scallions, sliced; 1 medium lemon, juiced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish to brighten up your meal rotation, this Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions is an absolute winner. It’s a celebration of crisp textures, zesty lemon notes, and a delightful herbaceous punch that together create a salad bursting with flavor and vitality. Whether as a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a potluck star, this salad is refreshingly simple yet packed with personality.

Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions come together in perfect harmony, each bringing a unique texture, color, or burst of flavor that makes the dish truly special. The freshness of the herbs and scallions balances beautifully with the creamy chickpeas and juicy veggies, while the lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together seamlessly.

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The hearty base offering protein and a creamy texture that forms the heart of the salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds sweetness and vibrant red pops of color that brighten every bite.
1 medium cucumber, diced: Provides a cool, refreshing crunch to balance the other ingredients.
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a mild, sharp bite that enhances the salad’s flavor complexity.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery note that livens up the dish.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Introduces a citrusy, herbal aroma that complements the lemon dressing perfectly.
4 pieces scallions, sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a crisp texture essential for this salad’s character.
1 medium lemon, juiced: The zesty acid that brightens and balances all the flavors harmoniously.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel to coat the ingredients beautifully.
To taste salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural goodness of the ingredients.
To taste pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and mild spice for depth.

How to Make Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

Start by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas well in a colander to remove any excess liquid and salt. Letting them drain thoroughly ensures the salad won’t become watery and gives the chickpeas a clean, fresh taste that’s perfect as the foundation of this dish.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the rinsed chickpeas with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Each vegetable adds a unique texture and burst of flavor, building layers of freshness that make this salad feel lively and satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Herbs and Scallions

Now it’s time to introduce the star fresh ingredients: the chopped parsley, cilantro, and sliced scallions. These herbs provide an unmistakable pop of green and a bright, herbaceous character that truly elevates the salad and makes it memorable.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a simple but flavorful dressing. This zesty, silky dressing is what ties all the salad components together into a harmonious whole.

Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the lemon and olive oil dressing over the chickpea and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite is bursting with balanced flavor.

Step 6: Season to Taste

At this point, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. This step personalizes the salad to your palate, making sure each spoonful hits just right.

Step 7: Serve or Chill

For the freshest, crispest taste, serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, intensifying the herbal zest and lemony brightness.

How to Serve Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few crumbled feta cheese cubes make fantastic garnishes, adding crunch and creamy saltiness to enhance the salad’s texture and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh pita bread, or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that feels light but nourishing, perfect for a warm day or casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions in colorful bowls or inside hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers for a charming, elegant presentation. You can also stuff large lettuce leaves or pita pockets for a playful, hand-held option that’s perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making the salad even tastier the next day, though the herbs may become slightly softer.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing. The fresh vegetables and herbs lose their texture and flavor when thawed, so it’s ideal to prepare it just before serving or within a couple of days.

Reheating

No reheating needed here as the Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions shines brightest served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge a little ahead of time to let it warm up slightly for optimal flavor.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak and cook them until tender before using. This adds a homemade touch and control over salt content, but the canned ones are a great time-saving option.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t have parsley or cilantro?

You can substitute with fresh mint or dill for a different but equally fresh flavor profile. These herbs will bring their own signature brightness to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge. Just keep in mind the herbs might soften, so add a little extra fresh herbs before serving if you prefer a vibrant taste.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, feta cheese, or even hard-boiled eggs pair wonderfully to create a more filling salad without overpowering the fresh flavors.

How can I make the dressing more flavorful?

Try adding a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika for a warm, earthy twist that complements the chickpeas beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions is a triumphant combination of simple ingredients that come together to deliver big on flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Its fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing make it a reliable go-to for any meal occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover how wonderfully bright and satisfying a chickpea salad can be!

Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs And Scallions Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and healthy Chickpea Salad featuring fresh herbs, scallions, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This vibrant salad combines protein-rich chickpeas with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect as a quick lunch or light dinner.

Instructions

Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly in a colander. Let them drain well to remove excess water for a better texture in the salad.
Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Mix gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate the chopped fresh parsley, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions into the bowl with the vegetables and chickpeas for enhanced flavor and color.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Season to Taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if desired to balance the flavors perfectly.
Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium chickpeas if you want to control the salt content better.
This salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or basil for variation.
The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days but is freshest when eaten the same day.
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook, mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean