Ever had a salad that tastes like sunshine on a plate?
This Chicken & Chickpea Salad is a delightful mix of freshness, protein, and vibrant flavors that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe shines bright with simple ingredients and minimal prep time. You can whip it up in a jiffy, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion—even those weeknight dinners when you’re too tired to cook!
Why make this recipe
Why should you add this salad to your go-to meals? First off, it’s super easy to make—like, even your kitchen-shy friends can nail it. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken and chickpeas, which means this dish is buddy-buddy with your waistline. And who needs extra dishes? You’ll only need one bowl for the salad and another for the dressing. Cleanup just got a whole lot easier! 😂
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics:
- Shredded chicken
- Chickpeas
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re halfway there to a delicious plate of happiness!
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese, avocado, or fresh herbs if desired, and mix gently.
- Serve the salad over greens, in a pita, or as a sandwich.
How to make Chicken & Chickpea Salad (Overview)
Let’s break it down! Start by tossing your chicken, chickpeas, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes into one big cheerful bowl. While you’re at it, whip up your zesty dressing in another bowl—don’t rush this part; getting the right balance of lemon and olive oil is key! Pour the dressing on, give it a good toss, and top it off with your feta, avocado, or herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Voilà, you’ve got a meal ready to dazzle your taste buds. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for that extra pop of flavor! 🌱
How to serve Chicken & Chickpea Salad
Serve this salad in a variety of ways that will make it hard for anyone to resist! Picture this: a bed of crisp greens topped with your vibrant salad, or nestled snugly in a fluffy pita. You can even layer it on whole grain bread for a hearty sandwich. The colors alone—greens, reds, and creamy whites—will ask you to dive right in. And the aroma? It’s to die for!
How to store Chicken & Chickpea Salad
This salad is your ideal meal prep buddy! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just ensure you store it in an airtight container to keep it zesty. If you’re thinking about making it ahead of time, toss in the dressing right before serving to keep everything crunchy and delightful. Freezing is not recommended; let’s keep it fresh!
Tips to make Chicken & Chickpea Salad
- Toss some crunch in: Feel free to add nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cumin or paprika can give your salad a unique twist.
- Herb happiness: Fresh cilantro or parsley can really elevate that flavor profile.
- Perfectly seasoned protein: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a great way to save time!
- Vegan swap: Use tofu or edamame instead of chicken for a meat-free version.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Sliding in some roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini can add exciting flavors. If you want to make it a vegan delight, simply swap the chicken for chickpeas and ditch the feta. Endless options await!
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are quick, just rinse and toss them in.
How long does this salad last?
It’s good for about three days in the fridge. Just keep those dressings separate until serving.
Can I make this salad in advance?
For sure! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy your salad; nobody likes soggy greens! 😅
Feeling inspired? Dive into this Chicken & Chickpea Salad adventure and let your taste buds explore the wonderful flavors!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Chicken & Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded chicken You can use rotisserie chicken for ease.
- 1 can Chickpeas Canned chickpeas can be rinsed and used directly.
- 1 medium Cucumber Diced.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved.
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Optional Add-Ons
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese Optional.
- 1 medium Avocado Optional.
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs Optional, such as cilantro or parsley.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese, avocado, or fresh herbs if desired, and mix gently.
- Serve the salad over greens, in a pita, or as a sandwich.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.