Fresh & Flavorful: Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing, and protein-packed salad, the Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is your go-to. With tender chickpeas, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty Mediterranean dressing, this salad is vibrant, satisfying, and perfect as a side dish or a light main meal.

This salad is more than just a mix of ingredients; it’s a harmony of textures and flavors. Creamy chickpeas meet crunchy cucumber and bell peppers, while Kalamata olives and feta cheese bring salty depth. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice ties everything together. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or even a healthy lunch at work, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.


Ingredients

  • Salad Base:
    • 1 can (400g) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup cucumber, diced
    • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
    • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • Cheese & Herbs:
    • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Dressing:
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare vegetables: Dice cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Slice olives.
  2. Combine base: In a large mixing bowl, add garbanzo beans, chopped vegetables, and olives. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Add herbs and cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta, parsley, and dill over the salad. Toss lightly.
  4. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks

  • Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for a heartier meal.
  • Texture variation: Include roasted chickpeas for a crunchier bite.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
  • Vegan option: Skip feta or replace with vegan feta for a plant-based version.

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

A fresh and protein-packed salad featuring garbanzo beans, crisp vegetables, feta, and a zesty Mediterranean dressing, perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 salad servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 can garbanzo beans 400g, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
Cheese & Herbs
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Dice cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Slice olives.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add garbanzo beans, chopped vegetables, and olives. Toss gently.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled feta, parsley, and dill over the salad. Toss lightly.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for 10-15 minutes in the fridge. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Optional: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Store in fridge for up to 3 days.

Creative Sections

Meal Prep Hero

This salad is perfect for weekly meal prep. Portion into lunch containers for an easy grab-and-go option that’s full of fiber and protein.

Party-Ready Side

Serve in a large bowl with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. It’s a colorful, healthy side dish that will impress guests.

Pairings

  • Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or white wine
  • Sides: Whole grain pita, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats
  • Dessert: Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts

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