Name: Tzatziki Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-485930H10M39S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cucumber, finely grated and drained; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

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This Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish. Packed with protein from chickpeas and the cooling flavors of homemade tzatziki, it’s the perfect choice for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your meals.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cucumber, finely grated and drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir well to make the tzatziki sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large salad bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives if using.

Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chickpeas and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Serve cold, garnished with extra dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 3-4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling (at least 30 minutes)

Variations

Vegan Option: Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt to make it vegan.

Add Protein: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or feta cheese.

Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even spinach for added crunch and freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If you’ve made a large batch, simply take out what you need and store the rest.

FAQs

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld and develop further.

How can I make this salad spicier?

If I like a bit of heat, I can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce or a few slices of jalapeño to the salad.

Can I substitute the chickpeas with something else?

Sure! If I don’t have chickpeas, I can substitute them with white beans or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is perfect for meal prep! I can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just be sure to store the tzatziki sauce and salad separately to keep everything fresh.

Can I freeze this salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the salad. The cucumbers and tomatoes might lose their texture after freezing, and the tzatziki sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors that are both light and satisfying. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and refreshing, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether I’m prepping for the week, hosting a light lunch, or simply craving something healthy, this salad never disappoints.

Recipe:

Tzatziki Chickpea Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling (at least 30 minutes)
Yield: 3-4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A light, creamy, and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad with homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir well to make the tzatziki sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives if using.
Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chickpeas and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve cold, garnished with extra dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.