Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes: A Nutritious and Zesty Delight 🥗🍅✨
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious meal option, look no further than this Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes. This dietitian-approved recipe combines the goodness of chickpeas, the crunch of cucumbers, and the burst of flavor from fresh tomatoes and feta cheese. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a perfect dish for weight-watchers and anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. You can find a similar recipe at Mallory the Dietitian. With vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad is not only pleasing to the eye but also packed with nutrients that contribute to overall health. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a chickpea salad that is both healthy and delicious. For another great salad idea, check out this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
2. Ingredients
To make this delightful Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes, a dietitian recipe for a perfect chickpea salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing your fresh ingredients. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes to bring out that vibrant flavor. Proper preparation ensures the best taste for your chickpea salad.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, chopped red onion, and parsley. For another great dinner idea, why not try these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers? This mixture forms the base of your Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes. Using fresh ingredients is key to a delicious and healthy chickpea salad.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Next, add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl along with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring every ingredient is coated in the dressing. The feta adds a salty and creamy element that complements the other fresh ingredients in this Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad. If you like these flavors, be sure to check out this Hot Honey Feta Chicken!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your salad is mixed to perfection, serve it immediately for the best flavor. This Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes can also be chilled in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors further. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more satisfying chickpea salad experience. You can also view more salad recipes here.
4. Storage Tips
This Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To retain the freshness of the cucumbers, it’s recommended to add them just before serving if you plan to store leftovers. This ensures your chickpea salad remains crisp and flavorful, even after a few days. Also, try this delicious dinner: Chinese Beef and Broccoli!
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. For an added twist, consider serving it on a bed of quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal! To elevate your dinner game check out more dinner options here.
6. Nutritional Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also comes with numerous health benefits. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, helping to keep you feeling full. Cucumbers add hydration, while tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene. Feta cheese enhances the flavor and provides calcium, making this salad a powerhouse of nutrition! This Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad is a great option if you are health conscious.
7. FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, but it’s best to mix in the cucumbers shortly before serving to keep them crisp.
- What can I substitute for feta cheese? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can omit the feta or use nut-based cheese alternatives.
- Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! You can prepare this salad in advance for your meals throughout the week.
- How can I add more protein? Try adding grilled chicken or extra chickpeas for an added boost of protein.
- Can other vegetables be added? Bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or mint can add to the overall flavor.
8. Tips for Variation
Feel free to customize this Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes by adding additional ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or different herbs such as mint or dill for added freshness. For another fantastic chicken skewer recipe, consider this Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
9. Conclusion
This Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes is a versatile, nutritious, and delightful recipe that can easily become a staple in your diet. With its multitude of flavors and textures, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy healthy eating without sacrificing taste. Try it today, and elevate your meals with this vibrant dish! If you liked this try our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl or Air Fryer Salmon Steaks or Chicken and Broccoli Pasta!
Print
Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes, dietitian recipe for Chickpea Salad!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, and vibrant cherry tomatoes with crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet, this dietitian-approved recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Ideal for summer barbecues or meal prep, this salad is sure to satisfy while keeping you healthy!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the cucumbers and halving the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, halved tomatoes, chickpeas, chopped red onion, and parsley.
- Add crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl, and toss gently.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For optimal freshness, add cucumbers just before serving if storing leftovers.
- Feel free to customize with bell peppers or different herbs like mint or dill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
