This Healthy Chicken Chickpea Salad is my take on a Mediterranean favorite. This delicious salad comes together in just minutes and is perfect for meal prep. The omission of lettuce allows this salad to stay crunchy in the fridge for up to five days. A homemade vinaigrette is simple, yet packs a flavorful punch. Seriously, this dairy-free salad recipe will become your new favorite way to enjoy a hearty meal full of vegetables and protein, without any of the guilt!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHICKPEAS
Chickpeas are a rough, round legume that are part of the pea family. They have nutty flavor and satisfying crunchy texture. As you may know, chickpeas are the star of any hummus recipe.
Garbanzo beans (another name for chickpeas) are packed full of protein and fiber. They are rich in iron, zinc, phosphorus and B Vitamins. The starch in chickpeas is easily digestible.
Indeed, this Chicken and Chickpea Salad is one power packed lunch idea that will provide your with enough energy to get you through the rest of your day without the hunger pains or lethargy.
TIPS ON MAKING THE BEST CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA SALAD
For starters, make a Vegetarian Chickpea Salad by simply omitting the chicken. Here are a few other helpful tips and possible substitutions to make this incredible Mediterranean Salad:
- do not forget to rinse and drain the chickpeas
- cilantro is a great substitute for parsley
- allow the chickpeas to marinate while you prep the remaining ingredients
- use rotisserie chicken for ease of this recipe
- avocados are a great addition (may want to add a touch more lemon juice to prevent the avocados from browning while storing this salad in the fridge
- add Feta cheese for a bit more texture and flavor
- taste the vinaigrette prior to dressing the salad (may want additional salt/vinegar)
- if you do not have golden or white balsamic vinegar, combine apple cider with a touch of sugar or maple syrup
- add more of your favorite vegetables
- toasted almonds and roasted sunflower seeds add the perfect crunch (can leave out)
IS HEALTHY CHICKEN CHICKPEA SALAD GOOD FOR MEAL PREP?
Leftover chickpea salad is great for meal prep! This Mediterranean salad keeps really well in the refrigerator. Store in meal prep containers and enjoy this healthy and delicious salad, all week long!
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Healthy Chicken Chickpea Salad
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Healthy Chicken Chickpea Salad is my take on a Mediterranean favorite. This delicious salad comes together in just minutes and is perfect for meal prep. The omission of lettuce allows this salad to stay crunchy in the fridge for up to five days. A homemade vinaigrette is simple, yet packs a flavorful punch. Seriously, this dairy-free salad recipe will become your new favorite way to enjoy a hearty meal full of vegetables and protein, without any of the guilt!
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 to 3 mint leaves, chopped
- juice of 1/2 lemon
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup greek olives, pitted
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 2 to 3 Persian cucumbers (mini cucumbers), diced
- 3/4 cooked and cubed chicken breast
- 1/3 cup toasted, sliced almonds, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds, optional
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white or golden balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas along with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, lemon juice, parsley and mint.
- Mix well and set aside as you prep the remaining salad ingredients.
- Add all of the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl or bottle. Mix well. Taste for salt. Set aside.
- Toast the almonds (be sure to keep an eye on them as they can easily burn).
- In a large bowl, add the remaining salad ingredients, including the marinated chickpeas.
- Slowly incorporate the dressing to taste. Toss to coat.
- Serve and ENJOY!
Notes
SEE POST FOR NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
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