Description
Broccoli Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining crunchy fresh broccoli and creamy chickpeas, offering a fiber- and protein-rich meal full of antioxidants. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, this vegetarian and vegan-friendly salad features fresh veggies tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, perfect for a healthy, refreshing snack, side, or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly, then chop it into small, bite-sized florets. Use raw for maximum crunch or lightly steam for a softer texture, according to preference.
- Rinse and Drain Chickpeas: Open a can of chickpeas, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and canned taste, then drain well.
- Chop the Other Veggies: Finely dice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes to distribute sweetness evenly throughout the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified to brighten and unify the flavors.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Pour over the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
Notes
- Cut broccoli uniformly to ensure even texture and consistent bites.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, fresh flavor.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent overdressing; adjust to taste.
- Chill the salad before serving for a refreshing experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional steaming)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Light steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg