We are almost to Memorial Day weekend! I love that it’s the unofficial start to Summer. The sun is out, pools are open, and of course all the outdoor BBQ’s. Today I’m sharing a recipe for a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Vinaigrette that you can make for cookouts planned over the weekend. It’s one of my favorite savory side dishes to bring to any gathering.
This salad is full of chopped veggies, delicious, and super easy to put together, no baking required. Similar to the Couscous Salad I posted last Summer. Which means if you need to whip up a quick side dish, I got you covered!
Usually when attending a cookout or gathering I like to bring something sweet like cupcakes, cookies, or brownies along with a healthy side dish, because I’m all about balance. I love that this savory salad isn’t potato or pasta based like most summer salads. It’s just made with chickpeas, veggies, feta, olives, and with a simple and tasty vinaigrette. Feel free to leave out or add ingredients as you like. I usually also bring along a bag of pita chips to serve with this Mediterranean Salad, but it’s also delicious by itself.
- For the Salad: 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered
- 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled or cut into small cubes
- For the Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients. Then pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for one hour to marinate or serve immediately.
- Serve by itself, on a bed of greens, or with pita chips.
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Linking up with Jenn for What I Ate Wednesday and Esther, Annmarie, Farrah, and Jess for Foodie Fridays. And you can view other Healthy Recipes here.
What’s your favorite side dish at cookouts?
Any Memorial Day weekend plans?
Tell me something that’s been on your plate lately.
And let me end this on a sweet note. Might I suggest these Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream for dessert this weekend, Mmmmm.
23 Comments on Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Vinaigrette
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Vinaigrette
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[…] Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Vinaigrette | Sweet and Strong […]
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
May 24, 2017 at 11:55 am (6 years ago)This looks soooooo lovely!!! All my favorite flavors– I have to make it soon.
sweetandstrong
May 24, 2017 at 10:23 pm (6 years ago)Such a delicious combo and I love that it can be a side or main dish.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby
May 24, 2017 at 2:55 pm (6 years ago)Love this idea, especially with the pita chips! I usually try to bring or make some kind of veggie for any weekend cookout!
sweetandstrong
May 24, 2017 at 10:24 pm (6 years ago)It’s so good when you eat it with pita chips. Would probably be good with actual pita or naan as well.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups
May 25, 2017 at 12:24 am (6 years ago)This looks delicious! I love grilled veggies for a side at a cookout. I am a fan of chips and dips, so I love the idea of having this with pita chips. Thanks for sharing!
sweetandstrong
May 25, 2017 at 10:45 pm (6 years ago)Yes grilled veggies and chips and dip are some of my favorites too Emily. Can’t wait for all the cookout food this weekend!
Sara Giboney
May 25, 2017 at 4:42 pm (6 years ago)This looks delicious and perfect for summer. It would definitely be great for a summer party ; )
sweetandstrong
May 25, 2017 at 10:47 pm (6 years ago)It’s super light and refreshing, not to mention very tasty. I hope you give it a try Sara!
Bethany
May 26, 2017 at 12:20 am (6 years ago)Perfect cookout salad! I always try to take something yummy and healthy so I know I will eat at least one thing that is good for me.
sweetandstrong
May 30, 2017 at 4:06 pm (6 years ago)Yes that’s exactly what I do Bethany! Great minds think alike 😉
Heather @ Polyglot Jot
May 26, 2017 at 12:04 pm (6 years ago)mmm such a great combo!! I think my favorite side is probably some type of pasta or potato salad or a roasted veggie side.
sweetandstrong
May 30, 2017 at 4:06 pm (6 years ago)Mmmmmm all some of my favorite too Heather.
Amanda @amanda-isms
May 27, 2017 at 11:33 am (6 years ago)This looks so pretty and tasty! I’m obsessed with the feta/chick pea combo so I’m pretty sure I’d love it!
sweetandstrong
May 30, 2017 at 4:07 pm (6 years ago)Yes feta and chickpeas are so good together right!
GiGi Eats
May 30, 2017 at 8:12 pm (6 years ago)Chickpeas are stupid addicting. I cannot even be around them – lol! ESPECIALLY roasted chickepeas!
sweetandstrong
May 31, 2017 at 10:26 pm (6 years ago)I don’t eat them too often, but they really are so addicting. I could eat so much of this salad in one sitting!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
May 31, 2017 at 4:46 am (6 years ago)This looks fabulous! It reminds me a lot of the salads we ate all the way through Greece. So light and refreshing!
sweetandstrong
May 31, 2017 at 10:26 pm (6 years ago)Oh how I would love to go through Greece and eat salads like this!
Annmarie
June 4, 2017 at 1:03 pm (6 years ago)I love Mediterranean flavors – this looks delicious!
sweetandstrong
June 6, 2017 at 1:45 pm (6 years ago)I love them as well! This salad is also super light and refreshing.
Rosemary
January 17, 2019 at 4:14 pm (4 years ago)This salad is amazing. I make it all the time. I use the heirloom grape tomatoes for extra color. I also use sliced black olives instead of kalamata olives for my own preference. Also fat free feta cheese when I can find it. The dressing is also amazing. One of my favorite recipes!
sweetandstrong
January 27, 2019 at 3:28 pm (4 years ago)Thanks so much for sharing Rosemary! I’m glad you enjoy it. And oh I need to try it with some of those changes!