I was craving something savory for lunch, and this Mediterranean recipe was born. It is so good that I’ve been having it in place of my low-calorie egg salad and toast for lunch, and that’s saying a lot. I love that egg salad…
Chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, and a delicious dressing combine into the perfect make-ahead meal. The recipe makes five 200 calorie servings, and while it tastes great the day you make it, it gets even better overnight. The flavors meld together and the vegetables absorb the dressing. If you’re not a fan of the sharpness of red onion, wait until the next day to try this. It really calms down.
Want to take it to the next level? Serve it with a runny, sunny-side-up egg on top (+72 calories) or 2 tablespoons of non-fat feta cheese crumbles (+25 calories).
Why chickpeas?
Chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein source, promoting muscle health and aiding weight management by providing a feeling of fullness. Incorporating chickpeas into your diet is a delicious way to boost your overall health.
Why olive oil?
Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and improving overall cardiovascular health.
The fat in the oil and the protein in the chickpeas make this a very filling meal that is low in calories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Low-Calorie Vegetable & Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 15.5 ounce can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 10 cherry tomatoes (halved)
DRESSING
- 2 TB olive oil
- 2 TB white vinegar
- 1 TB balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 10 grinds black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately, or store in five 8 ounce containers in the refrigerator. It only gets better as it sits!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
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