Description
A refreshing and protein-packed smashed chickpea salad featuring feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, this salad combines creamy textures with bright, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as dill and parsley)
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Smash Chickpeas: In a large bowl, roughly smash about half of the chickpeas using a potato masher or fork, leaving the other half whole for texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add diced celery, red onion, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs, capers, and minced garlic to the bowl with the chickpeas. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Give it another gentle toss before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt and omit feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Fresh herbs like dill and parsley provide bright flavor; you can also add mint or basil for variation.
- Leftover salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Serve this salad on its own or as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, or greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
