Ina Garten Chickpea Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chickpea Salad is a fresh, protein-packed dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Made with tender chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is light yet satisfying.

What is Ina Garten Chickpea Salad?

Ina Garten’s Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines chickpeas with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad perfect for warm-weather meals or as a protein-rich side dish.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Fish Chowder
• Ina Garten Mushroom Lasagna
• Ina Garten Roasted Sausage and Grapes
• Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Packed with protein and fiber – Chickpeas make this salad filling and nutritious.
• Quick and easy to make – Takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
• Great for meal prep – Stays fresh for days, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
• Versatile serving options – Enjoy it as a side dish, in wraps, or on its own.
• Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free – A healthy dish suitable for various diets.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• 2 (15-ounce) cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Prepare the vegetables – Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the olives.
• Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and mint.
• Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
• Toss everything together – Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
• Let it sit before serving – Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Serve with grilled chicken or fish – A great protein-packed meal.
• Pair with pita bread and hummus – Makes a Mediterranean-style platter.
• Enjoy alongside falafel – Complements crispy falafel perfectly.
• Top with avocado for extra creaminess – Enhances texture and adds healthy fats.
• Use as a filling for wraps – Wrap in a tortilla or pita for an easy lunch.
• Pair with a light soup – Goes well with gazpacho or a lentil soup.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Use high-quality canned chickpeas – For the best texture and flavor, rinse them well before use.
• Let the salad sit before serving – Allow the flavors to blend and intensify.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Add more lemon juice or salt if needed.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor – Parsley and mint add a refreshing touch.
• Add crunch with toasted nuts – Pine nuts or almonds bring extra texture.
• Try marinated feta for extra depth – Enhances the overall taste with infused flavors.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes – Add a bit of heat.
• Add roasted bell peppers for more depth – Brings a smoky, sweet contrast.
• Mix in quinoa for extra protein – Turns it into a hearty grain salad.
• Replace feta with goat cheese – For a tangy and creamy twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
• Store dressing separately if making ahead – Prevents the vegetables from getting soggy.
• Avoid freezing – The fresh vegetables and feta do not freeze well.
• Stir before serving – Redistribute dressing and flavors after refrigeration.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chickpea Salad

• Best served chilled or at room temperature – No need to reheat.
• Let it sit at room temperature before eating – Enhances the flavors after refrigeration.
• Add extra dressing if needed – A splash of olive oil and lemon juice refreshes the salad.

FAQs

Can I make chickpea salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss it in just before serving for the best texture.

What is the best substitute for feta cheese in chickpea salad?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use crumbled tofu, vegan feta, or nutritional yeast for a similar texture and flavor.

Can I add protein to Ina Garten Chickpea Salad?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or extra beans like black beans or lentils to make it more filling.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chickpea Salad is a light, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty dressing, it’s a satisfying and healthy option that’s easy to prepare.

Try it today and enjoy a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Print