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Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing is a fresh and healthy dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines crisp cucumbers, protein-rich chickpeas, and vibrant spinach, all topped with a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to pack in nutrients while enjoying a tasty salad. It features fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, giving you fiber, vitamins, and protein. The Greek yogurt dressing adds creaminess without a lot of calories, and it is quick to prepare. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal, hosting a gathering, or just craving something refreshing, this salad is a perfect choice!

How to Make Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients:

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, rinsed chickpeas, fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, chopped dill, and chopped mint. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine: Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
Chill: For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve the Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing chilled.

How to Serve Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal. Feel free to add extra toppings like olives, avocado, or grilled chicken to suit your taste.

How to Store Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. If you know you will have leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.

Tips to Make Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
Customize the Herbs: Feel free to use other fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you prefer.
Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, just remember to chill it before serving.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for added flavor and texture. You could also swap out chickpeas for other beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to mix things up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! You can skip the feta cheese and replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make it vegan.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious and healthy Cucumber, Chickpea, and Spinach Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing!