½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, or use a vegan alternative for dairy-free)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Ingredient Highlights
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the star of this salad, offering a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re filling and add a nutty, hearty base to the salad.
Olives: Kalamata olives are a Mediterranean staple that adds a tangy, briny flavor to the salad, perfectly balancing the other ingredients.
Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar: These healthy fats help create a delicious, simple dressing that ties the salad together with a zesty kick.
Fresh Vegetables: The fresh veggies, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, provide crunch, juiciness, and vibrant colors to the dish.
Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
Rinse the Chickpeas: Begin by draining and rinsing the chickpeas under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts if using.
Add the Olives and Feta: Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative) to the bowl with the chickpeas and vegetables.
Make the Dressing:
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Assemble the Salad:
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the salad for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.