Name: Antipasto Chickpea Salad: 5 Zesty Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 tbsp oil reserved from sun-dried tomatoes jar (or extra virgin olive oil); 2 1/2 tbsp sherry vinegar; 1 medium garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 x 400g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained; 3 packed cups baby rocket/arugula leaves, roughly torn into 2.5cm (1″) pieces; 350g (12 oz) jar roasted red pepper strips, drained and roughly chopped into 2.5cm (1″) pieces; 200g (7 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2″) pieces; 1/2 cup sliced black kalamata olives; 3/4 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil, chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2″) pieces (reserve oil for dressing); 250g (8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped; 200g (7 oz) Danish feta or Greek feta, crumbled

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Antipasto Chickpea Salad is a delightful explosion of Mediterranean flavors that transforms a simple salad into a vibrant meal. This salad features tender chickpeas, tangy marinated vegetables, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect dish for a light lunch or as a colorful side at your next gathering. If you’re looking for something that’s both nutritious and satisfying, this salad is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Antipasto Chickpea Salad

This antipasto salad with chickpeas offers numerous benefits that make it a favorite among health-conscious eaters. First, it’s packed with protein, thanks to the chickpeas, making it a fulfilling option for vegetarians and vegans alike. Second, it is a healthy antipasto chickpea dish, loaded with vitamins from fresh vegetables like arugula and tomatoes. Third, the combination of flavors creates a delightful taste experience that satisfies your palate. Fourth, it’s quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes to whip up—ideal for busy weeknights. Lastly, it’s versatile; you can serve it as a main dish or a side, making it suitable for any occasion. This Mediterranean chickpea salad is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors!

Antipasto Chickpea Salad: 5 Zesty Reasons to Love It - Antipasto Chickpea Salad - main visual representation

Ingredients for Antipasto Chickpea Salad

Gather these items:

5 tbsp oil reserved from sun-dried tomatoes jar (or extra virgin olive oil)
2 1/2 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 x 400g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained
3 packed cups baby rocket/arugula leaves, roughly torn into 2.5cm (1″) pieces
350g (12 oz) jar roasted red pepper strips, drained and roughly chopped into 2.5cm (1″) pieces
200g (7 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2″) pieces
1/2 cup sliced black kalamata olives
3/4 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil, chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2″) pieces (reserve oil for dressing)
250g (8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
200g (7 oz) Danish feta or Greek feta, crumbled

How to Make Antipasto Chickpea Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a jar, combine the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (or extra virgin olive oil), sherry vinegar, minced garlic, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Shake well until ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
Step 2: Reserve a small amount of chopped coriander/cilantro and crumbled feta for garnish. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained chickpeas, rocket leaves, roasted red pepper strips, marinated artichoke hearts, sliced kalamata olives, sun-dried tomato strips, cherry tomatoes, chopped coriander/cilantro (except reserved), and most of the crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. The feta will soften and slightly smear into the salad, adding creaminess and flavor.
Step 3: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved crumbled feta and chopped coriander/cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful antipasto salad.

Antipasto Chickpea Salad: 5 Zesty Reasons to Love It - Antipasto Chickpea Salad - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Antipasto Chickpea Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Allow the salad to marinate for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a non-vegan twist.
This salad can be prepared in advance; just add the dressing right before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Antipasto Chickpea Salad

For a delightful meal, serve this easy chickpea antipasto salad alongside crusty bread or pita chips. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a fantastic side dish for barbecues. For a full Mediterranean experience, consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the top before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Antipasto Chickpea Salad

To keep your antipasto salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Note that the flavors may deepen as it sits, creating a more robust taste profile. Avoid reheating; it’s best enjoyed chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antipasto Chickpea Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Antipasto Chickpea Salad?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Using high-quality ingredients like marinated vegetables and fresh herbs enhances the overall taste, making your chickpea antipasto recipe truly memorable.

Can I make Antipasto Chickpea Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is ideal for prep. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the greens and prevent sogginess.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Antipasto Chickpea Salad?

One common mistake is overdressing the salad. Start with less dressing, as you can always add more. Also, ensure to drain the marinated ingredients properly to avoid excess moisture.

Variations of Antipasto Chickpea Salad You Can Try

There are countless ways to customize your antipasto salad! Consider adding more protein with grilled tofu for a vegan antipasto chickpea salad or swapping the feta for a dairy-free alternative. You can also play with different vegetables, such as zucchini or cucumber, to create your own Italian antipasto chickpea salad masterpiece.

For more information about healthy eating, check out this guide on healthy eating tips. If you’re interested in Mediterranean diets, you can read about it here. For additional recipes, visit my about page to explore more delicious options!