This chickpea salad recipe is packed with fresh herbs, juicy grape tomatoes, velvety roasted red peppers, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado. This Mediterranean chickpea salad is delicious and satisfying, thanks to the high plant-based protein and fiber content. Best part? It’s ready in 10 minutes!

a close up of vegan chickpea salad in a serving bowl next to a wooden serving spoon and fork, a jar of dijon dressing, and a cloth napkin.
Photo Credits: Ali Redmond

Chickpeas are a prominent ingredient in my Mediterranean cooking. I use these protein-packed beans in soups like my vegetarian take on Tunisian Lablabi, puree them for hummus, and I use the flour for gluten-free breads like Farinata, and frequently add heft to my veggies by making chickpea salad with endless variations.

I have a number of Mediterranean chickpea salad recipes on the site including this loaded Chickpea Salad with Eggplant and za’atar, this Middle Eastern Balela Salad with sundried tomatoes, and even a Chickpea Egg Salad to name a few.

But, this vegan chickpea salad recipe has to be one of my all-time favorites. It’s loaded with roasted red peppers, crunchy cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and creamy avocado. I bring it all together with fresh herbs, and a peppery Dijon dressing spiked with spicy Aleppo pepper and tart sumac.

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is bright, colorful, super filling, and so easy to make. Enjoy it as a side dish at dinner, serve it as a light lunch, or bring it to your next gathering of friends and family.

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients for Chickpea Salad
  2. How to Make Chickpea Salad
  3. Making the Most of Chickpeas
  4. How to Tell if an Avocado is Ripe
  5. Getting Ahead and Storage 
  6. What to Serve with Chickpea Salad 
  7. More Chickpea Salad Recipes
  8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe
ingredients for vegan chickpea salad including dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, aleppo pepper, sumac, salt, pepper, olive oil, chickpeas, English cucumber, grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onion, parsley, mint and avocado.


Ingredients for Chickpea Salad

This chickpea salad recipe is very customizable. It uses Mediterranean pantry essentials, but you can substitute many of the ingredients with what you have on hand. Let your imagination be your guide!

  • For the dressing: Essentially a Dijon vinaigrette with an added kick from the Middle Eastern spices. You’ll need Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, Aleppo pepper, sumac, salt, pepper, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can swap the sumac with lemon zest and red pepper flakes for Aleppo pepper, or leave them off if you avoid spice.
  • Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and add texture to this chickpea salad recipe. You can cook them from scratch if you’d like, but canned chickpeas work well too. 
  • Cucumber adds a refreshing quality. I prefer English or Persian cucumber, as they’re sweet with tender skin. If you have a standard slicing cucumber, I recommend peeling it as the skin tends to be waxy and bitter. 
  • Grape tomatoes add bright, juicy bursts of flavor. You can substitute with any tomatoes you like, just make sure they end up about bite-sized. Grape and cherry tomatoes tend to be pretty flavorful year-round, with larger varieties like heirlooms tasting best in summer. 
  • Roasted red peppers add a smoky, bright flavor and velvety texture. I love to roast my own—and it’s so much easier than you might think. But a jar works here too.
  • Red onion is sweet and mild enough to enjoy raw. Shallots or green onions would also work, but avoid white or yellow onions as they’d be too overpowering.
  • Avocado adds creaminess and a good dose of healthy fats. I really like avocado in this salad, but it’s not a requirement. If you want to take this salad somewhere or make it ahead to serve later make sure you wait to add the avocado until just before serving.
  • Herbs: Parsley adds a peppery brightness and mint adds a refreshing quality. You can substitute with other tender green herbs, like dill, cilantro, or basil.
an overhead photo of two bowls of vegan chickpea salad with forks next to a serving bowl of the salad, a small plate of salt and pepper, a small bowl of lemon wedges, a jar of dijon dressing with a spoon, a glass of water and a cloth napkin.


How to Make Chickpea Salad

This vegan chickpea salad could not be easier, particularly if you use store-bought chickpeas and roasted peppers. It only takes about 10 minutes to throw this salad together! Just be sure to add the dressing and avocado in the final moments to keep the salad’s fresh ingredients. 

  • Make the dressing. Mince 1 garlic clove and add to a large bowl. To the bowl, add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and season with salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon each). Whisk, and while whisking, drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Continue to whisk until emulsified. dijon dressing in a small mixing bowl with a whisk, next to a small plate of salt and pepper and a jar of olive oil.
  • Prep the salad ingredients, adding to the dressing as you go. Drain and rinse 2 (15-ounce) cans of chickpeas. Chop one large cucumber. Halve 2 cups of grape tomatoes. Chop 2 roasted red bell peppers, discarding the seeds. Chop enough parsley leaves and tender stems to yield 1 cup, and enough mint leaves to yield 1/2 cup.
  • Finish and serve. Slice the avocado in half, remove and discard the pit. Then roughly chop the flesh, discarding the skin. Add the avocado to the salad mixture and toss very gently until everything is well mixed. the ingredients for vegan chickpea salad in a serving bowl before being mixed together.
  • Enjoy! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve immediately. a close up of vegan chickpea salad in a serving bowl.


Making the Most of Chickpeas

You might say we have a thing for chickpeas in the Mediterranean. This humble bean is well known as the foundational ingredient in Hummus, but chickpeas are used throughout the Mediterranean in breads, soups, salads, and snacks.

They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, packing a whopping 14.5 grams of protein per cup (more than 2 large eggs), not to mention a good amount of fiber too. I often buy them dry and cook a big batch to use throughout the week, but canned chickpeas are a super convenient option and save time.

I linked to a bunch of chickpea salad recipes further down in the post but here are some more recipes that make the most of chickpeas.

a close up of two bowls of vegan chickpea salad with forks next to a small bowl of lemon wedges, a jar of dijon dressing, and a cloth napkin.


How to Tell if an Avocado is Ripe

While avocado wasn’t a staple in my childhood, I’ve come to adore this super-ingredient since I moved to the States. It’s brought mayo-free richness to my egg salad, extra creaminess to avocado hummus, and even starred in my version of Mediterranean “guacamole”!

Here, avocado ties the salad together with no dairy necessary. And it’s full of heart-healthy fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients (you can see the full nutritional breakdown at the USDA.) Add that to a salad already stacked with protein and nutrients and you have a delicious, healthy meal that will satisfy and nourish you in all the best ways! 

Picking an avocado feels like less of a commitment than a watermelon or pineapple, but still these stone fruits are not cheap! And a perfectly buttery-soft (but still green!) avocado makes all the difference. To find a ripe avocado: 

  • Color: Look for a very dark green color, which is typically a good sign of ripeness. 
  • Feel: Okay I know this is controversial! But without squeezing the fruit too hard, give it a very gentle press. If it feels soft but not mushy, that means it’s likely ripe. 
  • Look for soft spots: Look for any spots on the fruit that are starting to cave in. These soft spots are usually a sign that the avocado is overripe. 
an overhead photo of a bowl of vegan chickpea salad with a fork next to a jar of dijon dressing, and a cloth napkin.


Getting Ahead and Storage 

Avocado doesn’t age gracefully! So if you’d like to enjoy leftovers, don’t mix the avocado in with the salad. Instead, portion out just what you need and add it to the salad just before serving.

Store any remaining avocado in a tightly sealed container with plastic wrap pressed against the flesh to prevent oxidation. It will keep for about 3 days.

The salad (without the avocado) will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tomatoes might lose a little texture, but they will still be perfectly edible. 


What to Serve with Chickpea Salad 

Rich in protein, this vegan chickpea salad can hold its own without any additions, but if you want to have a vegan feast serve it as a side dish next to Cauliflower Steaks with Chermoula or, if cauliflower isn’t your thing, try Mushroom Shawarma.

If you’re a meat eater serve this chickpea salad alongside Lemon Garlic Chicken or this simple Poached Salmon. Or take a page from our Chicken and Chickpea Salad and add shredded chicken (rotisserie works).

More Chickpea Salad Recipes

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4.93 from 27 votes

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Suzy Karadsheh
a close up of vegan chickpea salad in a serving bowl next to a wooden serving spoon and fork, a jar of dijon dressing, and a cloth napkin.
In this herb-packed chickpea salad, avocado add a nice creaminess with no dairy needed. Packed with protein, it's a hearty and healthy no-cook lunch that’s ready in 10 minutes! Spicy Aleppo pepper and tart sumac give it a distinctly Mediterranean flair, but you can substitute with red pepper flakes and lemon zest if you'd like.
Prep – 10 minutes
Total – 10 minutes
Cuisine:
American/Mediterranean
Serves – 6 people
Course:
Lunch, Sides/Salad

Ingredients
  

For the Dijon Dressing

For the Salad

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large English cucumber, chopped
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 roasted red peppers, seeded and chopped (or a 16-ounce jar roasted peppers in oil)
  • 1 small red onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
  • 1 avocado, pitted and roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, Aleppo pepper, sumac, and salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each). Whisk, and while whisking, drizzle in enough olive oil to make it nicely glossy and well-balanced. Continue to whisk until emulsified.
  • Mix. To the bowl with the dressing, add the chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently. Add the avocado and toss very gently once more.
  • Enjoy! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Leftovers: Avocado doesn’t age gracefully to say the least! So if you’d like to enjoy leftovers, portion out just what you need and add half the avocado on top. Leave the pit on the second half, which will prevent it from browning. Wrap the leftover avocado tightly and store separately in your refrigerator. Both the salad and avocado will keep for another day or so. 
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 173.1kcalCarbohydrates: 12.1gProtein: 2.5gFat: 14.4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.9gSodium: 198.4mgPotassium: 510.4mgFiber: 4.9gSugar: 3.7gVitamin A: 1684.8IUVitamin C: 42.8mgCalcium: 56.6mgIron: 1.6mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.93 from 27 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Pat Hatfield says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Even without the Avocado it was amazing. Thank you!

  2. Lina says:

    Hi Suzy,
    This salad looks delicious? Does your ground Sumac contain salt in the ingredients list?
    Thanks.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Lina. Yes, it does contain a bit of salt.

  3. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    Love this salad! So easy to make.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks, Cindy!

  4. Rhonda says:

    5 stars
    Hi Suzy. My husband and I decided to go the Mediterranean way of eating at the beginning of this year. I bought your book as I have enjoyed a few of your recipes I found online. EVERYTHING I have made from your book is easy, delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by both of us. We have each lost a few pounds and feel this is a very easy and sustainable way of eating going forward. Thank you so much !!! đŸ‡¨đŸ‡¦

    1. TMD Team says:

      Yay! Love hearing this! Thank you so much for your support!!

  5. Shannon says:

    5 stars
    It was delicious! I sent the recipe to my sister.

  6. Pat says:

    I would like to say that I enjoy your vegetarian dishes, they’ve become my go to
    most of your recipes have tomatoes and peppers (two of my favorite veggies) but they can be problematic for people with arthritis. I would like to see more without these two veggies.
    Thanks

  7. Serana Robertson says:

    4 stars
    Delish. Note that your video includes a green bell pepper as well?

    1. TMD Team says:

      You are correct! Green peppers are also delicious here. This is one of those very forgiving types of recipes where you can play with the ingredients a bit according to what veggies you have on hand. So glad you enjoyed it!

  8. Jill Edwards says:

    5 stars
    I made this with a changed, but loved it. I didn’t have the tomatoes or 2 of the seasonings for the dressing & put 1 can of chickpeas & 1 can of black beans. It was awesome!! We all loved it. It is going to a go-to recipe.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks for sharing, Jill! So glad this was a hit for you!

  9. Denise says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!

  10. Patricia Burgen says:

    5 stars
    I made this today and it’s very very good. I’m not a Vegan but I’m trying to eat more healthy foods. This is healthy and tasty. I follow you on FB and get your recipes in my email.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Wonderful, Patricia! Thank you for being a part of our community!

  11. Michael says:

    5 stars
    This is a wonderful recipe that lends to cutting it in half with excellent results. I made the recipe for my wife and me so I cut it in half, used cannellini beans versus chickpeas, and added some chopped olives. Served with homemade bread and a glass of wine, this was a nice light dinner.

  12. Catherine S says:

    4 stars
    I made this recipe, beautiful to look at and delicious too. I didn’t have parsley in my garden so I added basil and oregano along with the mint. I felt like it needed just a little extra something and tried fresh grated ginger, perfect! Thank you. Perfect summer salad for us here in Australia.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks for sharing you adaptations, Catherine.

  13. Lois says:

    5 stars
    I made this last night and it was very tasty & a great success

  14. Lois Philipson says:

    5 stars
    This salad is easy to prepare, tasty and light in oil! Thank you!!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks, Lois!

  15. William Matshidiso says:

    Inspiring information. Excellent

  16. Debra Rolewski says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I did not make it real herby but I thoroughly enjoyed this! I served it up with some grilled naan. It is very satisfying my daughters will love it!
    Thank you for sharing đŸ˜‹đŸ˜‹đŸ˜‹

    1. TMD Team says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Debra!