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Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad Recipe

4.5 from 322 reviews

This vibrant Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish featuring roasted beets, protein-packed chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and a flavorful olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant dinner side, it combines earthy, sweet, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch from sunflower seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium beets, roasted and chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the cleaned beets in aluminum foil and roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes or until tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, place the fresh spinach or mixed greens as the foundation for the salad.
  3. Add Chickpeas and Vegetables: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, roasted and chopped beets, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
  4. Add Feta Cheese: Gently toss in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring it mixes in without breaking apart too much, preserving its texture.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure even coverage of flavors.
  7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the optional sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch, then serve the salad fresh as a delightful lunch or side dish.

Notes

  • Roasting beets enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. Be sure to wrap them well in foil to retain moisture.
  • If you prefer a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked or canned beets, reducing the prep time significantly.
  • Sunflower seeds are optional but add a nice crunchy texture and extra nutrition.
  • Feel free to swap balsamic vinegar with lemon juice based on your flavor preference.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: chickpea salad, beet salad, feta cheese, roasted beets, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad