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Zesty Italian Chickpea Salad

Zesty Italian Chickpea Salad

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  • Author: Charlene
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cool Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: salad
  • Method: no-cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: vegetarian

Description

A refreshing salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect as a side or light meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (approximately 850g)
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, cut into small cubes (about 113g)
  • 4 ounces salami, cut into small cubes (about 113g)
  • 1 cup medium black olives, cut in half (approximately 150g)
  • 3/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (approximately 113g)
  • 3/4 cup chopped pepperoncini (approximately 113g)
  • 1/3 cup slivered red onion (approximately 50g)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (approximately 60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (approximately 30ml)
  • 1 plump garlic clove, pressed or finely minced
  • 11/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 11/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/21/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients Together: Start by grabbing canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Lay them out on your counter so you can see everything. Make sure your chickpeas are well-rinsed to avoid any mushiness later on.
  2. Chop & Dice Veggies: Chop the cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion and parsley.
  3. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chickpeas, chopped veggies, and parsley. Give it a gentle mix with a spoon so everything’s well-distributed. Avoid over-mixing to keep the chickpeas intact.
  4. Prepare Dressing Quickly: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until blended.
  5. Pour Dressing & Toss: Gently pour your dressing over the salad mixture and give it a light toss.
  6. Chill & Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Notes

  • Storage Tips: Storage method: Airtight container, 32 to 40 degrees F, for up to 3 days.
  • Expert Tips: Taste for seasoning before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary.
  • Be cautious not to drown the salad in dressing; you want it flavorful but not soggy.
  • For optimal taste, enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature.
  • Reheating Instructions: Serve cold or at room temperature; no reheating required.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
  • Serve alongside a fresh loaf of crusty bread.
  • Top with additional herbs like basil for extra freshness.
  • Recipe Variations: You can substitute provolone cheese with shaved Parm, mozzarella, or mozzarella pearls.
  • For a pasta twist, replace chickpeas with cooked pasta.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for more flavor.
  • Ingredient Notes: Choose high-quality canned chickpeas for a better texture.
  • Roasted red bell peppers can be substituted with fresh bell peppers (red or green).
  • For richness, consider adding diced avocado.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 1546mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 28mg
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