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To make a delicious Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad, you'll need the following items: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a fresh and zesty dish. Each one plays a key role in making the salad tasty and healthy. If you want to add extra flavor, try these toppings: - Feta cheese, crumbled - Avocado slices - Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts These optional ingredients can elevate your salad. They add creaminess and crunch for a more satisfying meal. You can swap out some ingredients if you don't have them. Here are a few ideas: - Use canned beans like kidney or black beans instead of chickpeas. - Swap cherry tomatoes for regular tomatoes, diced. - If you don't have fresh parsley, use basil or cilantro. These substitutions allow you to customize the salad to your taste. Don't worry if you can't find everything; you can still make a great dish! First, you need to prepare the chickpeas. Open a can of chickpeas and drain them well. Rinse them under cold water. This removes extra salt and helps them taste fresh. In a large bowl, add the chickpeas. Next, chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and parsley. Add all these veggies to the bowl with the chickpeas. Mix gently to combine. Now it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, pour in three tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mince one clove of garlic and add it to the bowl. Next, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to your taste. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing adds a burst of flavor to your salad. Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mix. Toss everything gently to coat the salad evenly. Let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you like, you can top your salad with crumbled feta cheese before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad! Using fresh ingredients makes your salad taste great. Choose firm, ripe cherry tomatoes. Look for cucumbers that are green and smooth. Fresh parsley adds bright flavor. I love using organic produce when possible. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well for the best taste. Want a tangier salad? Add more lemon juice. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, use good quality olive oil. Ground cumin gives warmth, but you can leave it out. Taste the salad as you mix. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a light lunch, enjoy it with pita bread. You can also pack it for picnics. Top with crumbled feta for extra flavor. Enjoy your colorful and tasty meal! {{image_2}} You can make this salad more filling by adding protein. Chickpeas are great, but you can try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings a new taste. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor. Shrimp gives a fresh touch, while tofu offers a soft texture. You can also add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Just chop them up and mix them in. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or radishes work well. These add crunch and color. If you want more greens, try spinach or kale. You can use roasted veggies too. Roasted zucchini or eggplant adds a nice depth of flavor. Just make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs or spices. Basil, dill, or mint can brighten the salad. Just chop them finely and mix them in. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a deeper flavor, try smoked paprika or a dash of curry powder. These simple changes can transform your salad. Enjoy trying out different combinations! To keep your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you add feta cheese, eat it within two days for the best taste. Always cover the salad well to protect it from the fridge's odors. The main ingredients have different shelf lives: - Chickpeas: Last up to three days when mixed in the salad. - Cherry tomatoes: Stay fresh for about five days. - Cucumber: Good for about three days after cutting. - Red onion: Can last up to a week in the fridge. - Fresh parsley: Usually stays fresh for about a week too. Check for any signs of spoilage before using these ingredients again. I do not recommend freezing the Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad. The texture of the fresh veggies will change after freezing. However, if you want to freeze the chickpeas, drain and rinse them first. Place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to six months in the freezer. When you need them, thaw in the fridge overnight before use. You can use white beans or black beans instead. Both options give a nice texture. You can also try lentils, but they will change the taste a bit. Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will mix well, making it even tastier. This salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. If you add feta cheese, eat it within two days for the best taste. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad. We went through ingredients, from base to optional toppings. I shared tips for prepping, dressing, and flavoring your salad. We explored variations like adding protein and different veggies. Finally, I explained how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Making this salad is simple and fun. You can switch ingredients as you like. Enjoy the fresh tastes and make it your own!

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad

Freshen up your meals with this delicious Lemon Garlic Chickpea Salad! Bursting with vibrant ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, this refreshing dish is perfect for any occasion. Drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic dressing, it’s not just healthy but also incredibly flavorful. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes an ideal lunch or side. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this tasty salad today!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: feta cheese, crumbled (for topping)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and parsley.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

        Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

          If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

            Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4