Greek Marinated Chickpea Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 - 8
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Greek Marinated Chickpea Salad
Description
Greek Marinated Chickpea Salad highlights hearty chickpeas marinated in a dressing of red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Chickpeas are warmed briefly to better absorb the dressing and then cooled to allow the flavors to develop. The salad combines these marinated chickpeas with crisp fresh spinach leaves sliced thinly, red tomatoes for a slight sweetness, and pickled red onions prepared quickly with vinegar and sugar to add a tart bite. Optional chargrilled peppers contribute a smoky note. Crumbled feta cheese garnishes the salad, providing creaminess and saltiness.
The salad is tossed just before serving to keep spinach fresh and slightly crisp while allowing the dressing to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Because the salad improves as it sits, it is suited for preparation in advance, making it practical for gatherings or work lunches. The combination of textures from tender chickpeas, crisp greens, and creamy cheese and the balance of acidity, oils, and aromatics makes this salad well-rounded and flavorful without complex techniques.
Practical tips include using canned chickpeas drained well or cooking dried chickpeas thoroughly. The pickled onions are optional but add a vibrant flavor and color contrast. Spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens that soften similarly. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be served chilled or at room temperature. Chargrilled peppers are optional and add an additional dimension but are not required for a successful salad.
Ingredients
- 800g/ 14oz chickpeas well drained (Note 1, 2 cans
Dressing / Marinade:
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (Note 2)
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic minced using garlic press, clove
- 2 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (or other non spicy smooth mustard)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
Quick pickled onion (pickling optional, Note 3):
- 1/2 red onion , finely sliced
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar (Note 2)
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Salad:
- 250g/ 8oz tomatoes halved (or 2 normal tomatoes, cherry or grape
- 3 cups spinach sliced 1/2 cm / 1/5" thick (Note 4, packed
- 100g/ 3oz feta cheese
- 3/4 cup peppers drained and sliced 1cm / 1/3" thick (optional, Note 5, chargrilled
Instructions
- Shake Dressing in a jar.
Marinated chickpeas:
- Place chickpeas in a microwaveable bowl. Toss with half the Dressing.
- Microwave 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed through.
- Set aside 20 minutes to marinate (warm chickpeas = absorbs flavour).
Quick Pickled Onion:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl, set aside 30 minutes until onion is wilted. Drain.
- Speedy option: microwave for 2 minutes until hot, cool 10 minutes then use.
Assemble salad:
- Place spinach in a big bowl, add marinated chickpeas (including all residual Dressing in the bowl). Add tomatoes, pickled onion and peppers, if using.
- Pour over remaining Dressing, toss well. Transfer to serving plate, crumble over feta, serve!
Notes
- Warm chickpeas to enhance flavor absorption if no microwave is available, heating gently on the stove.
- Dried chickpeas can be prepared by soaking overnight and simmered until tender before using.
- Pickling the onions adds flavor and color, but using raw or green onions works as a simpler alternative.
- Leafy greens like silverbeet, kale, or cabbage can substitute spinach; cabbage should be dressed and left to wilt before assembling.
- Chargrilled peppers add smoky flavor but are optional and can be omitted without losing salad quality.
- The salad keeps well for up to three days in the refrigerator and can improve in flavor as the greens soften slightly over time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 238cal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 450mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 381mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1824IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 111mg | 11% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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