Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Bright, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad is the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and creamy notes. It’s quick to prepare, nutrient-rich, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at a gathering. The lemon-garlic vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together with a zesty punch.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Nutritious & filling: Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Beets are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, while feta adds a creamy, salty contrast.
- Bright & colorful: Deep red beets, golden chickpeas, and crumbled white feta make this salad visually appealing.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Versatile: Great as a light meal on its own or a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
🌿 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium cooked beets, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
For the Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions
- Prepare the beets: Roast or boil until tender, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, beets, feta, parsley, and red onion.
- Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Best enjoyed immediately, but flavors deepen if allowed to rest for 10–15 minutes.
🌟 Tips for the Best Salad
- Use fresh herbs: Parsley or dill adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Warm chickpeas: Slightly warming the chickpeas before adding the vinaigrette enhances the flavor.
- Balance the sweetness of beets: If your beets are very sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the dressing for extra tang.
- Make it ahead: Salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; store dressing separately until ready to serve for a fresher taste.
🥬 Health Benefits
- Chickpeas: High in protein, fiber, and iron; support digestion and satiety.
- Beets: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nitrates that may support heart health and circulation.
- Feta: Provides calcium and a touch of healthy fat to enhance nutrient absorption.
- Lemon-Garlic Dressing: Packed with vitamin C and compounds that support digestion and immunity.
🌈 Final Thoughts
This Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette is more than just a side dish—it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for any season, it’s sure to brighten your table and your taste buds.
A salad that’s healthy, colorful, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for? 🥗✨
