Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a bright, refreshing, and flavorful salad that's perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. The chickpeas add protein and fiber, while the spinach, red onion, cucumber, and red bell pepper provide a variety of textures and flavors. The balsamic dressing is tangy and sweet, and it brings all the flavors together perfectly.

This salad was inspired by a trip to Greece that I took a few years ago. I was wandering around a farmers market in Athens when I came across a stall selling beautiful fresh spinach, chickpeas, and vegetables. I bought a bunch of everything and went back to my apartment to make a salad. The salad was so delicious that I've been making it ever since.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (5 ounce) bag baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, spinach, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The chickpeas add protein and fiber, which makes this salad a filling and satisfying meal.
• The spinach, red onion, cucumber, and red bell pepper provide a variety of textures and flavors, making this salad interesting and enjoyable to eat.
• The balsamic dressing is tangy and sweet, and it brings all the flavors together perfectly.