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Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette Recipe

Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette Recipe

5.2 from 12 reviews

This vibrant Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad combines earthy roasted beets with protein-rich chickpeas and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the beets, which enhances their natural sweetness and tenderizes them perfectly.
  2. Roast the Beets. Toss the diced beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until they become tender. Remove and let them cool to avoid wilting the salad ingredients.
  3. Prepare the Salad Base. In a large bowl, combine the cooled roasted beets, drained chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley to build a flavorful and textured salad foundation.
  4. Make the Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
  5. Toss the Salad. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is coated with the zesty dressing.
  6. Serve or Chill. Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and flavor, or refrigerate it until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Roasting the beets intensifies sweetness and improves texture; however, you can boil or steam them if preferred.
  • For a vegan version, substitute feta with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
  • This salad can be served cold or at room temperature and makes an excellent make-ahead dish.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon zest according to your taste preference for more pungency or brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea salad, beet salad, feta cheese, lemon garlic vinaigrette, Mediterranean salad, roasted beets, healthy salad