Mediterranean Chickpea Salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Toast:
- 4 slices of whole-grain bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and optional chopped mint leaves.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
4. Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and coated with the dressing.
5. Let It Marinate (Optional):
- For even more flavor, cover the salad and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
6. Prepare the Garlic Toast:
- Preheat your oven's broiler.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the toasted slices.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with the freshly prepared Garlic Toast on the side. The combination of the flavorful salad and the garlicky toast creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal with Mediterranean flair.
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad paired with Garlic Toast offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect option for a wholesome and delicious meal.
