Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette Recipe
This vibrant Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad is a nutritious and flavorful combination of roasted beets, protein-packed chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and fresh parsley, all brought together with a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 1 tablespoon for roasting, 2 tablespoons for vinaigrette)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the beets.
- Roast the beets: Toss the diced beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove and let cool.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled roasted beets, drained chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the salad: Pour the lemon-garlic vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Roasting the beets brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the salad’s flavor.
- Make sure to let the beets cool before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the feta from melting.
- You can substitute parsley with fresh mint or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Keywords: chickpea salad, beet salad, feta cheese, lemon-garlic vinaigrette, Mediterranean salad, roasted beets, healthy salad
