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Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing

Introduction

Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing is a fresh and healthy dish that brings together bright flavors and nutritious ingredients. This salad is not only colorful but also packed with protein, making it a great option for lunch or a light dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is simple to prepare and is a great way to get your daily servings of vegetables. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas offers a delightful mix of textures. Plus, the homemade parsley lemon dressing adds a zesty touch that brings all the ingredients together. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a satisfying main meal, this salad is the perfect choice.

How to Make Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing

Making this salad is easy and quick! Follow these steps to create a delicious and refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Prepare the salad ingredients: Dice the cucumber and tomatoes. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
Serve immediately or chill for later. The salad is best served fresh.

How to Serve Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing

This salad can be served on its own or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. It is also perfect for picnics and potlucks. Simply place it in a beautiful bowl and enjoy!

How to Store Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the best flavor is enjoyed when served fresh.

Tips to Make Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad with Parsley Lemon Dressing

Make sure to rinse the chickpeas well to remove excess sodium from the can.
For an extra crunch, consider adding radishes or bell peppers.
If you enjoy spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding different ingredients. Try adding diced bell peppers, avocado, or corn for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or leave it out for a vegan version.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat.

3. Can I use other beans in this salad?
Yes! You can substitute chickpeas with other beans like black beans or kidney beans for a different taste and texture.