Refreshing Cucumber Mint Chickpea Salad with Lime & Pickled Onions
This vibrant salad brings together chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, sweet orange bell pepper, tangy pickled onions, juicy Campari tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and crisp romaine. Lightly dressed with fresh lime juice and studded with bright mint, it’s a flavorful, nutrient-rich side or starter. Serve it alongside creamy hummus and warm whole wheat pita for a beautifully balanced, wholesome lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (about 15 oz / 425 g) drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber (~150 g) sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper (~150 g) sliced
- 2 Campari tomatoes (about 8 oz / 225 g) quartered
- 3 cups romaine lettuce (about 150 g) chopped
- handful (about 10 g) fresh mint leaves torn or chiffonade
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced and quick-pickled (see note)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of one lime
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional quick-pickled onions:
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup distilled vinegar
- ½ cup water
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pickle onions (optional): Combine onion slices and brine. Set aside.
- Prep produce: Slice cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, romaine, mint; mince garlic.
- Rinse chickpeas, drain well.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine chickpeas, veg, mint, garlic, and pickled onions (with a little brine).
- Dress: Drizzle olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, toss to coat.
- Rest: Let salad sit for 10 minutes if possible.
- Serve: Pair with hummus and warmed whole-wheat pita.
Notes
Nutrition facts are rough estimates and will vary based on specific product brands and portion sizes.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 250mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g