Cucumber Chickpea Salad

Cucumber Chickpea Salad Recipe from Egypt - Ingredients: Chickpeas, Tomatoes, Onions, and more

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cucumber Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, and the fresh vegetables add a burst of flavor and crunch.

History

Cucumber Chickpea Salad is a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean salads that often feature chickpeas and cucumbers. This recipe combines these classic ingredients with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 cans of drained chickpeas
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
0.5 cup of minced onions
0.5 cup of sliced celery
1 cucumber, sliced and chopped
2 tsp of minced garlic
1 tsp of dill weed
salt and pepper
3 tsp of red wine vinegar
0.5 cup of olive oil

How to prepare

Mix the oil and vinegar together thoroughly and set it aside.
Combine all the other ingredients and toss them with the oil and vinegar mixture. Chill the mixture before serving and garnish it with fresh parsley, if desired.

Variations

Add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Substitute lemon juice for the red wine vinegar for a citrusy flavor.
Add fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly before using them in the salad to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables or herbs, such as bell peppers, olives, or parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber Chickpea Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. It pairs well with crusty bread or pita chips.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to chop the vegetables evenly to ensure a balanced bite in every forkful.

- Mix the dressing separately before adding it to the salad to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned or cooked chickpeas for this recipe.

- Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cucumber Chickpea Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh parsley or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cucumber Chickpea Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cucumber Chickpea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cucumber Chickpea Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cucumber Chickpea Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cucumber Chickpea Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cucumber Chickpea Salad contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cucumber Chickpea Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains chickpeas and olive oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cucumber Chickpea Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is a healthy option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Cucumber Chickpea Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light meal or side dish. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a nutritious option for any occasion. Enjoy the fresh flavors and crunchy texture of this delicious salad!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Cucumber Chickpea Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with some yard work. As a token of her appreciation, she invited me into her kitchen for a cool drink and a light snack.

Mrs. Jenkins was known in our neighborhood for her delicious and innovative cooking. She had traveled all over the world and learned to make dishes from many different cultures. As we sat at her kitchen table, she brought out a bowl of the most refreshing salad I had ever seen. It was a colorful mix of cucumbers, chickpeas, red onion, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

I took one bite and was instantly hooked. The crisp crunch of the cucumbers, the creamy texture of the chickpeas, and the zesty kick of the dressing all combined to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she graciously obliged.

As she dictated the ingredients and instructions to me, I furiously scribbled them down in my recipe notebook. I knew that this salad would become a staple in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made this Cucumber Chickpea Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes for extra color, or feta cheese for a touch of creaminess. But no matter how I customize it, the salad always brings back memories of that summer day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen.

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I started to experiment with different variations. I discovered that adding a handful of fresh mint leaves gave the salad a refreshing herbal note, while a sprinkle of sumac added a subtle tanginess. I also found that marinating the salad for a few hours before serving allowed the flavors to meld together and become even more vibrant.

One day, I decided to enter my Cucumber Chickpea Salad in a local cooking competition. I was nervous about how it would be received, but to my surprise and delight, it won first place. The judges raved about the unique combination of flavors and the perfect balance of textures. I was overjoyed to see my recipe being recognized and appreciated by others.

Since then, my Cucumber Chickpea Salad has become a signature dish at family gatherings and potluck parties. I love seeing the looks of delight on people's faces as they take their first bite and savor the explosion of flavors in their mouths. It brings me great joy to know that something as simple as a salad can bring so much happiness to others.

As I look back on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their culinary knowledge with me over the years. From Mrs. Jenkins to my own mother and grandmother, each person has played a role in shaping my passion for cooking and inspiring me to create dishes that bring people together.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a refreshing and satisfying salad, I urge you to give my Cucumber Chickpea Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll create a special memory of your own around this simple yet delicious dish.