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Lebanese Chickpea Salad

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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A fun twist on tabbouleh, this chopped Lebanese chickpea salad is bursting with fresh flavors and packed with protein.

Liz squeezing lemon on chickpea salad

One of the reasons I always crave Lebanese food is because of the way it makes me feel after I eat it. Light, flavorful and protein-packed, I never feel heavy or weighed down after I eat Middle Eastern food. I wish I could say the same about a giant slice of pizza or a gooey grilled cheese.

lebanese chickpea salad

I believe I’ve been so successful along my weight loss journey because I focus on high protein, low carb meals. As such, Lebanese food remains front and center in my diet. Naturally gluten-free, it relies on ingredients like fresh garlic, plenty of lemon juice, and lots of fresh herbs to add tons of flavor without a lot of added calories.

showing lemon halves

My Lebanese Chopped Salad with Chickpeas is a fun play on the traditional tabbouleh salad. For added protein and filling fiber, I added chickpeas which happen to be one of my kids’ favorite snack food. If you love chickpeas as they do, I have a great list of my readers’ favorite recipes using chickpeas that are easy to make as well.

green zaatar

Za’atar is my secret weapon for giving the salad a toasted, earthy flavor that really makes it stand out.

What is Za’atar?

If you’ve never tried za’atar before, it’s a popular Middle Eastern spice blend made with thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and other spices. You can make it yourself but my family has always loved Ziyad’s green za’atar.

Liz adding za'atar to chickpea salad

While I’m not strictly gluten-free, I often suggest recipes like this to people navigating a gluten-free lifestyle. There is nothing about this dish that makes you feel deprived. Satisfying on its own, you can always add grilled chicken or beef shawarma on top for even more protein.

How to make Lebanese chickpea salad

cutting cucumber

This recipe is so simple, probably the hardest part is just chopping up all the vegetables. Make sure to cut them small enough into bite size pieces.

cutting red onions

Put all the chopped veggies and rinsed chickpeas together in a large bowl, and then toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.

cutting onions

You can serve immediately or chill first before dishing up alongside your favorite protein.

Tossing lebanese chickpea salad in a bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

What if I can’t find za’atar?

You can substitute dried thyme, oregano, and/or parsley if you can’t find za’atar. It won’t taste quite the same but it will come pretty close.

What should I serve with a chickpea salad?

You can put grilled chicken or beef on top, serve on its own as a light meal, or as a side with steak, shish kabobs, or salmon.

Can I add extra veggies?

Sure can! You just might want to increase the dressing, too.

Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same thing?

Yes.

What other chopped salads do you recommend?

My readers really enjoy both the Barley Black Bean Salad and Brown Rice Greek Salad in addition to this chickpea salad recipe.

With protein from the chickpeas, vitamins and minerals from the veggies, and flavor from the lemon and za’atar, you really can’t go wrong with this salad.

Liz eating lebanese chickpea salad

Your fork is waiting.

lebanese chickpea salad

Lebanese Chickpea Salad

4.63 stars average
A fun twist on tabbouleh, this Lebanese chopped salad with chickpeas is bursting with fresh flavors and packed with protein.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serves4
CourseSalad
Calories177

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 2 roma tomatoes diced
  • ½ cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup red pepper diced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • ¼ cup parsley mined
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint or 2 tablespoons fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon za’atar
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well to combine.
  2. Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 24.5gProtein: 6gFat: 8.8gSaturated Fat: 0.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.9gSodium: 613mgFiber: 7.1gSugar: 4.2g

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

4.63 from 16 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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60 responses to “Lebanese Chickpea Salad”

  1. Samantha @FerraroKitchen Avatar
    Samantha @FerraroKitchen

    You know I am in LOVE with this because I eat something like this all the time! And yes on za’atar…it’s the shiznit. Now I want tabbouleh lol

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I was just thinking I need to make tabbouleh again soon!!!

  2. katie Avatar
    katie

    yum! This looks divine and best of all I have everything on hand minus the za’atar… guess I need to buy some asap!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know if you buy it! It’s so good!

  3. Christine from Cook the Story Avatar
    Christine from Cook the Story

    I love the addition of chickpeas to the salad!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I am a chickpea-aholic!

  4. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    This is totally my kind of salad!

  5. Laurie {Simply Scratch} Avatar
    Laurie {Simply Scratch}

    This looks so fresh and amazing Liz! With a salad like this who needs carbs??

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Amen sista!

  6. Claire Gallam Avatar
    Claire Gallam

    I could definitely get on board with this for lunch!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      BYO Fork and join me!

  7. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain Avatar
    Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain

    I WANT 40lbs of this salad!!! Best flavors ever. Bring.it.on.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It’s so healthy we can have tots on the side! Guilt free!

  8. annie @ chase that i love Avatar
    annie @ chase that i love

    I love za’atar! That stuff + olive oil + pita = tasty snack. But Now I ned to make this salad to pita IN the pita because it all looks so good and lemony and fresh

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Omg my mom loves it with pita too!

  9. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    I want this for lunch!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Wish I could ship you some!

  10. julia Avatar
    julia

    I love za’atar..I have a huge package just like you showed! And I also love sumac. SO many great spices. This salad looks just wonderful. I wish I had a bowl rightn ow.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Isn’t it the best?!?!