Name: Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 medium roasted beets, peeled and diced; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s vibrant, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the earthiness of roasted beets with the creamy goodness of feta and the hearty texture of chickpeas. I love making this salad on busy weeknights or when entertaining friends; it’s always a hit!

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or packing it for lunch, this salad shines in any setting. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: In just about 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delightful salad ready to serve.
Healthy and filling: Packed with protein from chickpeas and nutrients from beets, this salad keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it a day in advance! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
Family-friendly: Kids love the colorful presentation, and it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies!
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! This Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad uses simple, wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium roasted beets, peeled and diced
– 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Variations

The beauty of this Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it based on your tastes or what you have available.

Add more crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
Switch up the cheese: Try goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
Enhance with grains: Add cooked quinoa or farro for added heartiness.
Spice it up: Include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick!

How to Make Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad

Step 1: Roast the Beets

If your beets aren’t already roasted, wrap them in foil and bake at 400°F for 40–45 minutes until they are tender. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness! Once they cool down, peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced beets, thinly sliced red onion, parsley, mint (if using), and crumbled feta. This combination not only looks beautiful but also offers a wonderful medley of flavors.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. This dressing adds brightness to the salad while balancing out the sweetness of the beets.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite is as flavorful as possible!

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow your salad to sit for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting period lets all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve Your Salad

Serve your Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, feel free to top with additional herbs or toasted nuts if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad

Creating the perfect Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad is all about balance and flavor, so here are some tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

Roast your beets for depth: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of beets and adds a lovely earthy flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked beets available at many grocery stores.
Choose fresh herbs: Using fresh parsley and mint brightens up your salad with vibrant flavors. They not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the earthy beets.
Adjust the dressing to taste: The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients—add more lemon juice for acidity or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes after tossing lets all those delicious flavors meld together, making each bite even better.
Make it a meal: To turn this salad into a hearty dish, add some cooked quinoa or grilled chicken. This will boost protein content and make it more filling for lunch or dinner.

How to Serve Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad

Serving your Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fun ways to present this colorful dish!

Garnishes

Chopped walnuts or almonds: Toasted nuts provide an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy feta and tender chickpeas.
Microgreens: A sprinkle of microgreens adds a touch of elegance and extra nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
Cracked pepper: A few cracks of freshly ground black pepper on top can enhance the overall flavor profile with its aromatic spiciness.

Side Dishes

Pita bread: Warm pita pockets make for a great accompaniment. They can be used to scoop up the salad or enjoyed alongside as a light side.
Hummus: A creamy hummus dip pairs perfectly with this salad, adding another layer of texture and flavor while keeping things plant-based.
Grilled vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers complement the salad beautifully, providing additional color and nutrition.
Quinoa tabbouleh: This refreshing side with parsley, tomatoes, and mint enhances the Mediterranean theme while adding more fiber.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad will not only taste fantastic but will also look stunning on any table! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad is perfect for meal prep! Its flavors deepen and improve when it sits, making it an excellent choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
If you have leftover dressing, store it separately to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Freezing

This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables and feta.
Instead, prepare fresh ingredients as needed to enjoy the best flavor and crunch.

Reheating

This salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary!
If desired, you can gently warm it in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad.

Can I use canned beets instead of roasted beets in my Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad?

Absolutely! Canned beets are a convenient alternative. Just rinse them well before adding them to your salad to remove any excess liquid.

How long will Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Enjoy it throughout the week for a quick meal!

What can I substitute for feta cheese in the Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can try using crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice or nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that brings joy to any meal. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or toppings. Happy cooking!

Dinner