Looking for a quick, wholesome, and totally satisfying salad that’s just as good for your body as it is for your taste buds? This Chickpea Cucumber Salad is the answer. Loaded with protein-rich chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, chopped red onions, and briny olives, it’s everything you want in a light summer meal—refreshing, colorful, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors.
In the U.S., where summer salads are a staple for barbecues, potlucks, and healthy meal prep, this Chickpea Cucumber Salad delivers big on taste and convenience. It’s plant-based, no-cook, and highly customizable, meaning you can make it your own in seconds. Whether you’re eating clean, prepping lunch, or serving a crowd, this bowl will disappear fast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Cucumber Salad
- 🧆 Full of protein from chickpeas
- 🥒 Crisp, cool cucumbers keep it refreshing
- 🍅 Juicy cherry tomatoes add bright, sweet notes
- 🧅 Tangy red onions & salty olives bring balance
- 🧄 Optional feta adds creaminess and depth
- ⏱ No cooking required—just chop, mix, and serve!
- 🌞 Perfect for hot summer days, BBQs, or healthy lunch boxes
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT15M
- Cooking Time: PT0M
- Total Time: PT15M
- Type: Salad / Side Dish / Light Lunch
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: Approx. 270 per serving (with feta)
What You’ll Need
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh mint (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Let’s Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas.
- Dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop red onions and olives.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh parsley or mint.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Conclusion: A Simple Salad That Satisfies
This Chickpea Cucumber Salad is more than just a side—it’s a fully satisfying meal in a bowl. It delivers on crunch, creaminess, saltiness, and freshness all at once, and it’s light enough for summer yet hearty enough to keep you full.
Perfect for picnics, BBQs, quick lunches, or even midnight snacks, this salad is endlessly versatile. You can add grains like quinoa, top with grilled chicken or shrimp, or even turn it into a pita filling.
👉 Make it once and it’ll be a repeat all summer long!
FAQs – Chickpea Cucumber Salad
How to make Chickpea Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
You can make the salad up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Can I use canned chickpeas in this salad?
Yes! Canned chickpeas are perfect—just rinse and drain them thoroughly before using.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can skip it entirely, or use diced avocado for creaminess, or a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed.
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or canned tuna for an extra protein boost.
What other vegetables go well in this Chickpea Cucumber Salad?
Try bell peppers, radishes, shredded carrots, or even roasted corn for a twist.
Wrapping It Up: Fresh, Fast, and Full of Flavor 🥰
This Chickpea Cucumber Salad hits all the right notes—it’s bright, healthy, easy to make, and totally customizable. Whether you’re eating plant-based, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick side dish that wows, this salad delivers.
Serve it cold, enjoy it fresh, and don’t forget to save it for your go-to summer recipe list. It’s one of those dishes that’s good for the body, gorgeous on the plate, and gone in minutes. 🥗✨