Zesty Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad with Za'atar Vinaigrette
This vibrant Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad is a delightful medley of fresh vegetables and hearty chickpeas, beautifully dressed in a zesty za'atar vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or snack, this salad is not only refreshing but also packed with protein and nutrients. The combination of ripe Roma tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy marinated artichoke hearts creates a mouthwatering texture and flavor profile. Ideal for meal prep or as a side dish for your favorite Mediterranean main course, this salad will surely impress your family and friends with its bright flavors and healthy ingredients. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a while to let the flavors meld, enhancing your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
green za'atar spice mix
1/2 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1-2 dashes (none)
chickpeas
1 (15-ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Roma tomatoes
2 (chopped)
cucumber
1/2 (peeled and chopped)
green pepper
1/4 (seeded and chopped)
onion
1/4 (diced)
marinated artichoke hearts
1 (6-ounce) jar (drained and halved)
Instructions
1
In a small glass bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, za'atar spice mix, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined, creating a flavorful dressing.
2
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped Roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped cucumber, seeded and chopped green pepper, diced onion, and halved marinated artichoke hearts. Toss gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3
Drizzle the za'atar dressing over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to mash the chickpeas.
4
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring chickpeas and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty za'atar vinaigrette, ideal as a light lunch or snack.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, green za'atar spice mix, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Which vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes Roma tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, and marinated artichoke hearts.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based, making this salad suitable for vegans.
Is the Zesty Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I prepare the chickpeas for this recipe?
Use one 15-ounce can of chickpeas that has been drained and rinsed.
What is za'atar spice mix?
Za'atar is a traditional Middle Eastern herb and spice blend that provides a unique savory and tangy flavor to the dressing.
How long should I let the salad rest before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make this salad for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is ideal for meal prep as the flavors enhance after resting in the refrigerator.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 Roma tomatoes, which should be chopped before adding to the mix.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the instructions specify using half a cucumber that has been peeled and chopped.
How should I prepare the marinated artichoke hearts?
You should drain a 6-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts and cut them into halves.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, while it can be served chilled, serving it at room temperature is also an option.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices in a small bowl to create the dressing.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as being packed with protein and nutrients while using fresh, healthy ingredients.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of an onion, diced.
Should I mash the chickpeas when stirring?
No, you should stir gently to combine the ingredients without mashing the chickpeas.
What can I serve this salad with?
It is perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mediterranean main course or as a standalone light meal.
Does this recipe require cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe involving only chopping and mixing.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
While the recipe calls for green pepper, you could likely use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice mix labels to be sure.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The vinaigrette uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much za'atar spice is needed?
You will need 1/2 tablespoon of green za'atar spice mix.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is there any garlic in this salad?
The dressing uses 1-2 dashes of garlic powder for flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this salad.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of marinated?
The recipe specifically calls for marinated artichoke hearts for their tangy flavor profile.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a mouthwatering texture with crisp cucumber, firm chickpeas, and soft marinated artichokes.
Is this recipe easy to scale up for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people as a party side dish.