Delicious Chickpea and Cucumber Salad: 15 Min

✅ Vegan | Gluten-Free | 🕒 Ready in 15 Minutes | Refreshing & Protein-Packed

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Looking for a meal that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together in a flash? This Vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad is a truly delicious, refreshing dish that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives with hearty chickpeas, creating a satisfying meal or side! The bright lemon and olive oil dressing, infused with fragrant oregano and fresh herbs like parsley and optional mint, brings a burst of classic Mediterranean flavor that transports you to sunny shores.

Quick to prepare and naturally vegan and gluten-free, this Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad is perfect for warm days or anytime you want a light yet protein-packed option. It’s packed with fiber, essential vitamins, and powerful antioxidants, making it as nutritious as it is flavorful. Enjoy it on its own for a quick, wholesome meal or alongside your favorite grain or flatbread for a perfectly balanced plate. All ready in just 15 minutes!

Vibrant-Mediterranean-Chickpea-and-Cucumber-Salad-with-Zesty-Lemon-Herb-Dressing

Ingredients for Chickpea and Cucumber Salad:

1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 large cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional, for extra freshness)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint (if using).
Prepare the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Dress & Marinate: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything well to combine, ensuring all the components are beautifully coated with the vibrant dressing.
Chill & Serve: For the best flavor, allow the Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad to sit for 5-10 minutes (or even longer in the refrigerator) to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing & Protein-Packed Salad:

This Delicious Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad is the epitome of fresh, vibrant, and satisfying eating. Its delightful combination of crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tender chickpeas creates a fantastic blend of textures. The bright, tangy lemon-herb dressing perfectly complements the Mediterranean flavors, making this salad incredibly refreshing and protein-packed. It’s a remarkably easy-to-prepare option, proving that healthy, vegan meals can be effortlessly delicious and immensely satisfying. You’ll find this a truly delightful addition to your healthy rotation!

Health Benefits:

Every ingredient in this Chickpea and Cucumber salad offers remarkable health advantages:

Chickpeas: An excellent source of plant-based protein and high in dietary fiber, chickpeas are fantastic for promoting feelings of fullness, supporting healthy digestion, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Cucumber: Primarily composed of water, cucumbers are fantastic for hydration. They also provide vitamins K and C, which support bone health and skin vitality.
Tomatoes: Packed with powerful antioxidants, especially lycopene, tomatoes protect cells from damage and are well-known for supporting heart health. They also provide a good source of Vitamin C.
Kalamata Olives: Offer healthy monounsaturated fats and are rich in antioxidants, contributing to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lemon Juice & Olive Oil Dressing: The fresh lemon juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, boosting immunity and aiding in digestion. Extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy fats and additional antioxidants for overall wellness.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Mint) & Oregano: Beyond adding incredible flavor, these herbs are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting overall wellness and providing natural flavor without excess calories.

From My Kitchen to Yours:

This Delicious Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad is more than just a quick recipe; it’s a celebration of sun-drenched flavors and wholesome goodness in every bite. With its perfect balance of crisp textures, refreshing components, and a zesty, herbaceous dressing, it’s a dish that feels both incredibly nourishing and deeply satisfying every time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a speedy lunch, a vibrant side, or a healthy snack, this amazing vegan and gluten-free Chickpea and Cucumber Salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for healthy simplicity and ultimate refreshment.

Looking for more delightful and wholesome vegan meals?

👉 Explore our full collection of Healthy Vegan Recipes for more plant-based delights you’ll love!