Mediterranean Chickpea Pita Pockets
This vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Pita Pockets recipe combines protein-packed chickpeas with crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and nutritious lunch option. Perfect for meal prep, you can whip up this salad in just a few minutes and store it in the fridge all week long. The extra cucumbers and red peppers can be kept in water for an easy snack. For an extra touch of flavor and richness, consider topping your pita pockets with crumbled feta cheese and halved cherry tomatoes just before serving. These delightful pockets not only taste fantastic but are also a feast for the eyes, making lunchtime both delicious and visually appealing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 (16 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Cucumber
1/2 (diced (peeled if preferred))
Red Pepper
1/2 (diced)
Red Onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Balsamic Vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Sea Salt
to taste
Lemon Juice
to taste
Whole Wheat Pita Bread
2-3 (cut in half)
Red Leaf Lettuce
(for lining pita)
Instructions
1
Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas under cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with the diced cucumber, red pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, fresh ground pepper, and sea salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
3
Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once chilled, take your whole wheat pita bread and carefully cut each pita in half to create pockets. Line each pita half with a few leaves of red leaf lettuce.
5
Spoon the chilled chickpea salad generously into each lettuce-lined pita. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese and halved baby tomatoes for added flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Chickpea Pita Pockets?
They are a vibrant lunch option combining protein-packed chickpeas with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing inside pita bread.
What ingredients are in the chickpea salad?
The salad contains chickpeas, diced cucumber, red pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
How do I make the dressing for this recipe?
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, fresh ground pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl.
How long should the chickpea salad chill?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What kind of pita bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for whole wheat pita bread, which is cut in half to create pockets.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can whip up this salad in minutes and store it in the fridge throughout the week for easy meals.
What type of lettuce is used to line the pita?
Red leaf lettuce is used to line each pita half before adding the chickpea filling.
Can I add cheese to Mediterranean Chickpea Pita Pockets?
Yes, crumbled feta cheese is a recommended topping for added flavor and richness.
Are there any other recommended toppings?
Halved cherry or baby tomatoes make an excellent addition for extra color and flavor.
What should I do with extra vegetables like cucumber or peppers?
Extra cucumbers and red peppers can be kept in water in the fridge for an easy, crunchy snack.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan if you omit the optional feta cheese topping.
How should I prepare the chickpeas?
Start by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas under cold water before mixing them with the vegetables.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dressing?
Absolutely, you should adjust the sea salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your personal taste preferences.
How do I assemble the pita pockets?
Cut the pita bread in half, line with lettuce, and spoon the chilled chickpea salad generously into each pocket.
What is the benefit of chilling the salad before serving?
Chilling allows the balsamic and herb dressing to fully penetrate the chickpeas and vegetables for better flavor.
Is there lemon juice in this recipe?
Yes, lemon juice is included as an ingredient to be added to taste for extra tanginess.
How many pita breads does this recipe require?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 whole wheat pita breads, which will yield 4 to 6 pockets.
What vegetables provide the crunch in this dish?
Diced cucumber and red pepper provide the fresh, crunchy texture in the chickpea salad.
What kind of onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red onion, finely chopped.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chickpea salad filling is gluten-free, but you must use gluten-free pita bread instead of whole wheat pita to make the entire meal gluten-free.
What dried spices are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
Should I peel the cucumber?
You can peel the cucumber if you prefer, but it is not required for the recipe.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe considered a healthy lunch?
Yes, it is a nutritious and protein-packed option full of fresh vegetables and healthy fats.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I serve this recipe immediately after mixing?
While you can serve it immediately, the flavors are much better if you let it chill for at least 20 minutes.
What size can of chickpeas is needed?
You will need one 16-ounce can of chickpeas.
How much oregano is in the salad?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
How much fresh ground pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.