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Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cumin or sumac for extra flavor
  • For the Tahini Dressing:
  • ⅓ cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin, as needed)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup for balance

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas : Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. If you prefer them crispy, pat them dry and lightly roast in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of cumin for 3–5 minutes. Let cool slightly before mixing.
  • Step 2: Chop the Vegetables : Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers into small pieces. Finely chop red onion, parsley, and mint. Combine all the vegetables and herbs in a large salad bowl.
  • Step 3: Make the Tahini Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Gradually whisk in warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as desired.
  • Step 4: Combine and Toss : Add the chickpeas to the salad bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the tahini dressing over the top. Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
  • Step 5: Season and Serve : Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. Sprinkle with a pinch of sumac or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.