Chickpea recipes are great options if you want a quick and healthy salad. In just under 20 minutes, you can be chowing down on this Chickpea Salad!
Ingredients
Most of these ingredients may already be in your pantry. If you don’t already have truffle oil, head to your local grocery store and look for it in the aisle that carries more common oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
- Oyster Mushrooms, Roughly Chopped – These mushrooms add savory earthiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy chickpeas. Chopping them roughly gives the salad a rustic vibe.
- Chickpeas, Drained and Rinsed – Also known as garbanzo beans, these legumes are hearty and protein-packed, creating the perfect base for this Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad. No need to buy them fresh — a can of chickpeas works just fine!
- Unsalted Butter – A little butter adds richness and helps those mushrooms caramelize beautifully! It’s a simple step that adds loads of flavor to the mix.
- Fresh Italian Parsley, Chopped – This herb adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the salad.
- Fine Sea Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper – These two seasonings are a must for balancing and bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Red Onion, Thinly Sliced – Thin slices of red onion add a little crunch and a sweet, tangy flavor to the salad.
- Juice Of One Lemon – Fresh lemon juice ties everything together with its zesty brightness.
- White Truffle Oil – A drizzle of truffle oil elevates this salad with its earthy aroma. It’s the magic touch that makes this salad feel extra special!
Variations on this Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe
Switch this salad up with some of these easy substitutions and additions!
- Beans – Creamy white beans, like cannellini or Great Northern, bring a softer texture while still soaking up all the flavors.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms – If oyster mushrooms aren’t available, baby bellas are a great alternative. They’re slightly meatier but still bring that earthy goodness.
- Parmesan – A sprinkle of parmesan takes the flavors to the next level with its salty nuttiness.
- Arugula – Peppery arugula adds a fresh and slightly spicy flavor to the salad.
- Balsamic Glaze – A touch of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness.
- Toasted Nuts Or Seeds – A handful of toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds adds crunch and a subtle nuttiness to round out the salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – If you’re not into truffle oil, high-quality olive oil works just as well. You can also mix it with red wine vinegar for a zesty dressing.
- Greek Chickpea Salad – Give the dish some Greek salad vibes with kalamata olives, green olives, crisp cucumbers, and a bit of feta cheese.
- Vegetables – Add other fresh veggies like juicy tomatoes, red peppers, green onions, sundried tomatoes, or leafy greens.
- Herbs – Instead of fresh parsley, try adding fresh dill, fresh mint, or other herbs from your garden.
- Zest – If you’re looking for more concentrated lemon flavor, shave in some lemon zest.
- Avocado – Creamy avocado adds extra texture to the salad. Just be sure to slice and add it just before serving.
- Garlic – Mince a garlic clove and stir it in for another savory layer of flavor.
How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Making truffled chickpea salad is quick and simple. In just a few steps, you’ll have a salad that’s hearty enough for a meal yet sophisticated enough for entertaining.
- Saute the Mushrooms. Melt butter in a large skillet and toss in the oyster mushrooms. Let them cook down until they soften and reduce significantly.
- Add the Chickpeas. Gently fold the chickpeas into the skillet. Avoid stirring to keep their shape intact while they warm up and absorb some of the buttery mushroom flavor.
- Mix in Fresh Herbs. Sprinkle in the parsley at the end of the cooking process.
- Season and Combine. Take the skillet off the stove and sprinkle with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Finish with Onion, Lemon, and Truffle Oil. Add the red onion, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and drizzle with truffle oil. Transfer to a large bowl serving dish or allow it to cool before serving or storing.
What to Serve with Chickpea Salad
While this dish is hearty enough to be a vegetarian entree, you can also pair it with so many other of our quick dinner ideas.
Consider salmon croquettes, steak frites, a chicken panini or even alongside our favorite skirt steak marinade or baked chicken breasts.
Common Questions about Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are chock-full of plant-based protein and nutrients. We think they’re a great way to reach your health goals.
Sure! It’s a great light and easy lunch or a simple side dish for so many meals.
Chickpeas do have some carbs, but they can fit into low-carb diets in moderation.
While recipes may vary, chickpea salad usually incorporates garbanzo beans, veggies, and dressing.
Storage and Freezing
This salad stores well so it’s a great meal prep recipe or you can just make it ahead for an upcoming gathering.
How to Store
Transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze Truffle Chickpea Salad?
We do not recommend freezing this salad because its texture will change when thawed.
More Easy Recipes
Looking for more delicious side dishes or light mains? Check out more of our most popular recipes!
Chickpea Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces oyster mushrooms , roughly chopped
- 30 ounces chickpeas (2 cans) , drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley , chopped
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion , thinly sliced
- Juice of one lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons white truffle oil
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oyster mushrooms. Stir and cook until they have reduced by half in size, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, toss, but do not stir and risk breaking.
- Add parsley last and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Lightly season with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add thinly sliced red onion, lemon juice and truffle oil.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Nutrition
What a great Summer salad – fresh & quick!
I love the truffle oil with the chick peas, great salad recipe!! I will definitely make this again