Best 3 Chickpea Olive Salad Recipes

This flavorful and protein-packed vegan chickpea salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Bursting with Mediterranean influence, this salad showcases the goodness of chickpeas, Kalamata olives, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, fresh herbs, tangy lemon-tahini dressing, and a touch of Dijon mustard. It boasts three variations to cater to different dietary preferences: a classic version with feta cheese, a vegan version excluding feta, and a gluten-free version that utilizes gluten-free bread or crackers for serving. Whether you're hosting a refreshing summer lunch, seeking a healthy side dish, or meal prepping for the week, this versatile chickpea olive salad has you covered.

**First Recipe: Classic Chickpea Olive Salad**

This classic recipe presents the harmonious combination of chickpeas, Kalamata olives, fresh vegetables, herbs, lemon-tahini dressing, and crumbled feta cheese. Served atop crusty bread or your favorite crackers, this salad strikes a balance between tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

**Second Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Olive Salad**

For those following a vegan lifestyle or with dairy allergies, this variation omits the feta cheese while maintaining the vibrant flavors of the classic recipe. The tangy lemon-tahini dressing and the medley of fresh vegetables and herbs create a satisfying and nutritious salad that is just as delicious as its classic counterpart.

**Third Recipe: Gluten-Free Chickpea Olive Salad**

To accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, this recipe suggests serving the salad atop gluten-free bread or crackers. The combination of chickpeas, Kalamata olives, fresh vegetables, herbs, and lemon-tahini dressing remains unchanged, ensuring a delightful and inclusive culinary experience.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA SALAD

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad image

A simple Chickpea Salad with feta, cucumber and bell peppers. Fast, healthy and filled with bright Mediterranean flavors, it's a perfect lunches or side!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories Salad Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 cup finely diced red onion (about 1/2 small)
2 cans reduced-sodium chickpeas ((15-ounce cans), rinsed and drained)
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 1 bunch)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 orange bell pepper ( or yellow bell pepper, chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1/2 large seedless cucumber (chopped (about 2 cups))
1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 4 ounces)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

Place the onions in a bowl of cool water and let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients (this removes the harsher bite from the onions, while still giving great flavor).
Place the chickpeas, parsley, bell peppers, cucumber, and feta in a large serving bowl.
In a small mixing bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Drain the red onions and add them to the chickpea mixture, then pour the dressing over the top. Toss to combine. If time allows, let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 8), about 1 1/2 cups, Calories 169 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Sodium 466 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 2 g

CHICKPEA & OLIVE SALAD

Chickpea & Olive Salad image

Make and share this Chickpea & Olive Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by FDADELKARIM

Categories Onions

Time 7m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup black olives, pitted & chopped
1/4 cup scallion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder
salt, to taste

Steps:

Mix all the ingredients together in a glass bowl until well blended.
Serve at room temperature.

CHICKPEA, FETA, AND OLIVE SALAD

Chickpea, Feta, and Olive Salad image

I found this on foodbycountry.com. I'm posting it for ZWT 6. Morocco North Africa Note: Does not include chilling time.

Provided by CJAY8248

Categories Vegetable

Time 10m

Yield 8 salads, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5 ounces feta cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces cherries or 8 ounces grape tomatoes
2 ounces black olives, pitted
4 tablespoons flat leaf parsley
lettuce or other salad greens
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, crushed
salt, to taste

Steps:

Place the chickpeas in a bowl and add the feta cheese cubes.
Cut the tomatoes in half if necessary, to make them bite-sized.
Add tomatoes to the chickpeas and feta cheese mixture. Add the black olives, parsley, and lettuce.
Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
Pour over chickpea mixture, toss gently, and chill.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.4, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 16.8, Sodium 581.2, Carbohydrate 30.2, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 4.5, Protein 8.4

Tips:

Select High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, flavorful chickpeas, juicy olives, crisp vegetables, and herbs for the best results.
Control Olive Brine: If using store-bought olives, taste the brine before adding. If it's too salty, soak them in water for a while to reduce the saltiness.
Customize Herbs and Spices: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cumin, paprika, or chili flakes for a twist.
Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings. Use a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, a creamy Greek yogurt sauce, or a classic vinaigrette.
Let the Salad Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Conclusion:

This versatile chickpea and olive salad is a delightful dish that offers a burst of flavors and textures. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. With its colorful appearance and refreshing taste, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the vibrant and delectable chickpea and olive salad!