Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
This Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad is a vibrant Mediterranean-style dish packed with earthy roasted beets, protein-rich chickpeas, creamy feta, and a bright lemon-garlic vinaigrette. It’s nutritious, colorful, and perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time (if roasting beets): 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 15–50 minutes
- Servings: 4
🥘 Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
For the Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Beets (If Using Fresh)
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wrap beets in foil or place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes until tender.
- Let cool, peel, and dice.
(You can also use pre-cooked beets to save time.)
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl whisk together:
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- minced garlic
- Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
- honey (optional)
Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
- chickpeas
- diced beets
- cucumber
- red onion
- parsley and mint.
Step 4: Add Dressing
- Pour the lemon-garlic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Add Feta and Serve
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with:
- grilled chicken
- roasted salmon
- quinoa or couscous
- warm pita bread
❓ Q&A
Can I use canned beets?
Yes. Just drain and dice them before adding to the salad.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Simply omit the feta or replace it with vegan feta cheese.
What other ingredients can I add?
Great additions include:
- avocado
- toasted walnuts or almonds
- arugula or spinach
- sun-dried tomatoes
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can work if needed.
How do I keep the salad from becoming too watery?
Pat chickpeas dry and add the dressing just before serving if preparing ahead.
✅ Tip: For extra flavor, add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
