Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea and Artichoke Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing chickpea and artichoke salad. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and tender artichoke hearts, combined with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the brininess of kalamata olives, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. The creamy feta cheese adds a delightful tang, while fresh herbs elevate this dish to a new level. Ideal as a flavorful side dish or a hearty filling for pita bread, this salad is perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a light lunch. Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Artichoke Hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
Roasted Sweet Red Peppers
1 (7 ounce) jar (drained and diced)
Pitted Kalamata Olives
1/2 cup
Feta Cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Scallions
3 (finely sliced)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup
Fresh Mint
1-2 tablespoons (chopped)
Za'atar Spice Mix
2 teaspoons (optional)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, drained artichoke hearts, diced roasted red peppers, pitted kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely sliced scallions, and chopped parsley. Toss together gently to combine.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, chopped fresh mint, za'atar spice mix (if using), sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3
Gradually drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the vinegar mixture while whisking continuously to create a smooth dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This marinating time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
6
Serve the salad chilled as a delightful side dish or use it to fill warmed pita bread for a tasty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea and Artichoke Salad?
The main ingredients include chickpeas, artichoke hearts, roasted sweet red peppers, kalamata olives, feta cheese, scallions, and fresh parsley.
How many cans of chickpeas do I need?
You will need one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
What type of artichokes should be used?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, which should be drained before adding to the salad.
Is this Mediterranean salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, although it does include feta cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based feta alternative.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives for their distinct briny flavor.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
The salad should refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld and intensify even more.
What is in the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh mint, za'atar spice mix, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Is the za'atar spice mix required?
No, the za'atar spice mix is listed as an optional ingredient, though it adds a traditional Mediterranean herbal note.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It can be served chilled as a side dish or used as a hearty filling for warmed pita bread.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil to create the smooth dressing.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar to provide the necessary acidity.
Do I need to cook any part of this salad?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves simple assembly and whisking of the dressing.
How should the roasted red peppers be prepared?
Use one 7-ounce jar of roasted sweet red peppers, which should be drained and diced before being added to the bowl.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep because it holds up well in the refrigerator and the flavor improves as it sits.
What is the role of sugar in this recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar, though it can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 scallions, finely sliced.
What type of salt is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for the dressing.
Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly as table salt is finer and more dense than kosher salt.
What makes this salad 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of chickpeas, feta, kalamata olives, artichokes, and za'atar creates a traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
Is this salad high in protein?
Yes, the chickpeas provide a significant source of plant-based protein, making the salad very satisfying.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Gradually drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the vinegar mixture while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
Should the feta cheese be crumbled or cubed?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for even distribution throughout the salad.
How much black pepper is in the dressing?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad is best served chilled after it has had time to marinate in the refrigerator.
Can I use different beans instead of chickpeas?
While chickpeas are traditional for this recipe, you could substitute them with cannellini beans or Great Northern beans.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
There are a total of 14 ingredients, including spices and the components for the homemade dressing.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator and will remain delicious for several days.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
All the listed ingredients (chickpeas, vegetables, feta, and spices) are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on processed items like za'atar and canned goods.