Description
This fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Bean Salad is perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (preferably red or yellow for color)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to soften)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives (pitted)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly in a colander to remove excess salt and canning liquid. Set aside.
- Finely chop the red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften and reduce pungency. Drain well.
- Dice the bell peppers into small, colorful pieces and chop the fresh parsley finely. Slice the Kalamata olives if they aren’t already sliced.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, diced bell peppers, softened red onion, chopped parsley, and sliced olives. Gently toss to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients thoroughly without mashing the beans.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for an even more refreshing taste.
- Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice or salt for brightness.
- Serve the Mediterranean Bean Salad at room temperature or chilled, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or chopped cucumbers.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg