Name: Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 425g / 15 ounces Garbanzo Beans, canned, drained and rinsed; 1 medium Cucumber, diced; 2 medium Tomatoes, diced; 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved; 113g / 4 ounces Feta Cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint, chopped; Vinaigrette:; 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice, fresh; 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon Salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste

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Ever craved a taste of the Mediterranean that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is your answer! Bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a simple lemon vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful side dish. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal. Let’s dive into the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dish!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is a total game-changer for several reasons! Get ready to fall in love with:

30-Minute Prep: Ready in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights.
Layers of Fresh Flavor: A delightful mix of crunchy veggies and creamy feta.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.
Versatile Delight: Enjoy it as a side, a light lunch, or even a tasty snack.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Easy to Customize: Adapt the ingredients to your liking and dietary needs.
Irresistible Aroma: The lemon vinaigrette makes this salad truly mouthwatering.
Simple for Beginners: Even if you’re new to cooking, you can easily make this!

Ingredients Needed for Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad:

Garbanzo Beans: 425g/15 ounces (canned, drained and rinsed)
Cucumber: 1 medium, diced
Tomato: 2 medium, diced
Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
Feta Cheese: 113g/4 ounces, crumbled
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Fresh Mint: 2 tablespoons, chopped

Vinaigrette Ingredients

Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, fresh
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste

Selection Tips: For the best flavor, choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used, but use about half the amount as they are more potent. You can find high-quality feta at most grocery stores or specialty cheese shops. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of olives for a unique twist.

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Essential Equipment List

Mixing Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables.
Lemon Juicer: To extract fresh lemon juice easily.

A good quality mixing bowl is essential for ensuring that the salad is evenly combined. If you don’t have a lemon juicer, you can simply squeeze the lemon by hand, but be sure to remove any seeds.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is incredibly quick to make, making it perfect for a last-minute meal or side dish. Scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of servings you need.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad:

Prepare the Vegetables

First, dice the cucumber and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Then, thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic clove.
Chop the fresh parsley and mint.

Make sure the vegetables are uniformly diced for a consistent texture in every bite.

Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.
Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint to the bowl.

Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad.

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

Toss and Serve

Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

Chilling the salad for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together even more deliciously.

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Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t Overdress: Add the vinaigrette gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
Chill Before Serving: This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Rinse the Garbanzo Beans: Rinsing removes excess sodium and any metallic taste.

For an extra flavor boost, marinate the red onion in lemon juice for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to mellow out its strong flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad to your liking with these variations:

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for a heartier meal.
Different Cheese: Try using goat cheese or halloumi instead of feta.
Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Herb Variations: Dill, basil, or cilantro can be used in place of or in addition to parsley and mint.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:

Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
Pita Bread: Enjoy with warm pita bread for dipping.
Hummus: Pair with hummus and veggies for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Salad Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a larger salad.

For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving this salad with iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon slice.

Health Benefits of Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!

Garbanzo Beans: Rich in fiber and protein, aiding digestion and providing sustained energy.
Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.
Feta Cheese: A good source of calcium, important for bone health.
Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that promote heart health.

This salad is a great choice for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not necessary, as this salad is best served cold.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables may become mushy.

If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, store the vinaigrette separately and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Can I use dried garbanzo beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first. Soak the dried garbanzo beans overnight, then boil them until tender before using them in the salad.

Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, halloumi, or even a plant-based feta alternative can be used instead.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables may become mushy when thawed.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approximately 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and measurements. Use a nutrition calculator for precise values.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Check out these delightful recipes!

Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A healthy and delicious salad perfect for any occasion.
Chickpea Caprese Salad – A fun twist on the classic Caprese salad with the added protein of chickpeas.
Avocado Chickpea Tomato Salad with Lime – A refreshing and creamy salad that’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Conclusion

This Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal any day of the week. Whip it up tonight – tag us with your masterpiece! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas!

Happy cooking!

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad