Bright and herbaceous, this **Angelic Lemon and Herb Chickpea Salad** is a refreshing take on the classic chickpea salad. With its lemony tang, fragrant herbs, and crisp red onion, this salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It's also versatile enough to be used as a sandwich filling or a topping for salads and bowls.
The inspiration for this recipe came to me on a hot summer day, when I was craving something light and refreshing. I had some leftover chickpeas in my fridge, and I wanted to use them up in a way that would be both delicious and healthy. I started by experimenting with different herbs and spices, until I came up with a combination that I loved. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, citrusy flavor, while the oregano and thyme provide a warm, earthy aroma. The red onion adds a bit of crunch and sweetness, and the salt and pepper balance out all of the flavors. I've been making this salad for years now, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1/2 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans), picked over and rinsed
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
Instructions
Place the chickpeas in a medium bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak overnight.
Drain the chickpeas and rinse well.
Place the chickpeas in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until tender.
Drain the chickpeas and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the chickpeas and red onion to the bowl and toss to coat.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use. This salad is a healthy and versatile vegetarian dish which can be served with various proteins and greens
Why It Works
The combination of lemon zest and juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper creates a bright, flavorful dressing that complements the chickpeas perfectly.
The red onion adds a bit of crunch and sweetness, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the dressing.
This salad is a good source of protein and fiber, and it's also low in calories and fat.
It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a sandwich filling, or a topping for salads and bowls.