Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring
Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring. An easy, healthy, and refreshing dish made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and herbs.

Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring
This Simple Chickpea Salad is anything but boring. It’s a fresh, healthy, and versatile dish that fits effortlessly into any menu. Chickpeas bring a nutty richness and satisfying fullness, while crisp vegetables and vibrant herbs add refreshing crunch in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian main, a quick weekday lunch, or a light holiday appetizer, this salad adapts beautifully. It stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining, and comes together with minimal effort. Just choose your ingredients using our recommendations, toss, and enjoy a bright, flavorful salad that surprises with its simplicity. Find more delicious ideas, 👉 Side dishes recipe
FAQ’s and Tips
How long does chickpea salad last in the fridge?
It keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container. In fact, the flavors often get better after a few hours.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it a day in advance and store it chilled. Add delicate greens or herbs right before serving if you want extra freshness.
What vegetables work best in chickpea salad?
Common favorites include cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely. Add grilled chicken, salmon, tuna, or even hard-boiled eggs. For plant-based options, try tofu or quinoa.
Ingredients for Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring
- chickpeas: Choose high quality canned chickpeas in their own juice (without unnecessary additives) or dried ones, soak overnight and cook until soft. Substitute: canned beans or cooked lentils.
- cherry tomatoes (red, brown, and yellow): The small, multicolored cherry tomatoes in the photo add sweetness and brightness. Substitute: Large, fleshy tomatoes, chopped, or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- fresh cucumbers: Firm, crisp, and without bitterness. Substitute with young, peeled zucchini (raw) or pickled cucumbers for a sharper flavor.
- red onion: Milder and sweeter than white onion, if you’re worried about a sharper flavor, marinate the onion in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Substitute: Green onions or shallots.
- pitted olives: Add bitterness and texture. Substitute: Capers or marinated artichokes.
- sprigs dill, mint leaves : Dill and mint for freshness. Substitute: Parsley, cilantro, or basil.
Dressing:
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- mustard
- clove garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For all the amounts for this very simple side dish made in minutes, see the recipe attached. Comes with full instructions and is not cooked at all. Download and print the recipe, and also use online with the cook mode. So Simple. 😉
How To make Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring
- Peel and finely chop the red onion. If desired, marinate it for 5 minutes in lemon juice with a pinch of sugar.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber.
- For the dressing, combine the olive oil, and 1 tsp mustard. Grated lemon zest, lemon juice, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk with a fork until smooth.

- Cut the olives into rings or leave them whole. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives. Add chopped herbs (dill and mint). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes or refrigerate overnight. In a sealed container. The flavors will meld, making the salad even more delicious.

- Experiment with dressings and additional toppings.
- feta,
- bell peppers,
- or nuts.
- Serve as a light meal on its own or as a side dish with proteins, and enjoy the freshness and nutrition. Enjoy!
Bring balance to your table with these refreshing cold side dishes, then keep the flavors flowing with our cozy Warm Side Dish Recipes and even more delicious ideas in our full Side Dish Recipe Collection.
Recommendations
(click the highlighted heading for the recipe)
- Refreshing cold side dishes
- Three Bean Salad and Dressing
- Healthy Cucumber Kimchi Salad
- Corn and Black Bean Salad
Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring
Simple Chickpea Salad That’s Anything but Boring. An easy, healthy, and refreshing dish made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 15-20 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: no cook no bake
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (red, brown, and yellow)
- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 1/4 cup pitted olives
- 2 sprigs dill
- 6–8 mint leaves
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop the red onion. If desired, marinate it for 5 minutes in lemon juice with a pinch of sugar.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber.
- For the dressing, combine the olive oil, and 1 tsp mustard. Grated lemon zest, lemon juice, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk with a fork until smooth.
- Cut the olives into rings or leave them whole. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives. Add chopped herbs (dill and mint). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes or refrigerate overnight. In a sealed container. The flavors will meld, making the salad even more delicious.
- Experiment with dressings and additional toppings, feta, bell peppers, or nuts.
- Serve as a light meal on its own or as a side dish with proteins, and enjoy the freshness and nutrition. Enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute dressing: Balsamic vinegar, yogurt dressing, or tahini.
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