Greek Chickpea Salad

Delicious all on its own, atop a slice of toasted fresh bread, or served with pita slices to share, this Greek Chickpea Salad is such an easy, fresh, springtime meal, snack, or party contribution.  It also works wonderfully as a meal prep option to have on hand in the fridge throughout the week.

This recipe could very easily be made vegan if the feta was replaced with a vegan cheese.

If you’re feeding a larger group, it’s simple to double the quantity.

Finally, it’s super versatile if you prefer to add more or less of any of the ingredients!

Servings: Approx. 5

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Dill 
  • 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Finely Chopped Cucumber
  • 21 Sliced Kalamata Olives
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Cups Prepared/Canned Chickpeas
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
  • 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbsp Feta Cheese Crumbles
  • 2 Chopped Medium Tomatoes
  • Sea Salt, To Taste
  • Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste

Directions:

Chop the fresh herbs, cucumber, tomato, and olives, and set aside

Squeeze the lemon juice and set aside

Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas

Optional – Peel the chickpeas (This is not required, but I find them to be more enjoyable this way!  After the rinsing process, you will see the outer layer beginning to peel off of them naturally.  They will pop out of their casings easily.)

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl

Add in the olive oil, cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs, and stir

Add in a small amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper, and stir again (You can add more later if needed.)

Next, mix in the feta, tomatoes, and olives

Add additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper to taste

Serve, and enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.]


Love these types of flavors?  Check out my Easy Greek Pasta Salad too!

Dad’s Famous Salmon Dinner

If you’ve never been a salmon lover, I’m about to change your mind!  My Dad didn’t think he liked salmon either, but in 1999, my mom gifted him James McNair’s “Salmon Cookbook”. He took on a combination of recipes, adjusted them to his particular taste, and created the ultimate salmon dinner.  Ever since, whenever friends or family come to visit, even those who say they don’t like salmon, he serves up this particular plate and wows them every single time!

Between the butter, lemon, shallots, and super soft texture, the fish will literally melt in your mouth.

THE FISH

The book’s “Herb-Roasted Salmon” recipe

Adjustments

-Of all the herbs listed, only dill is used

-He adds extra butter atop the fish in the oven; roughly 4 tablespoons (or to taste!)

-When removing the skin, he also removes the majority of the dark meat along the backbone.  Yes, this reduces the Omega 3 content a bit, but it’s the secret to removing the “fishy” taste for those who prefer that!

THE FISH SAUCE

The book’s “Beurre Blanc” recipe

Adjustments

-Instead of letting the majority of the liquid evaporate as indicated, he leaves a bit more of the liquid intact in the pan

SIDES

A Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous (such as the 365 option from Whole Foods)

Grilled Yellow, Orange, or Red Bell Peppers Bell Peppers (in your marinade of choice, such as an Italian dressing)

GARNISHES

Extra dill, lemon slices, and bell pepper tops (or whatever you have on hand!)

Based on his dedication to plating the meal perfectly, I think it’s safe to say I know where I got my love of food photography from!

It goes without saying that we all highly recommend the cookbook.  It has inspired countless great meals in our house!

Visit my Amazon Storefront to pick up a copy for yourself: www.amazon.com/shop/bakeandbewell

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