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As the temperatures rise and summer days become longer, the desire for light, refreshing meals intensifies. One such dish that perfectly embodies this essence is the Chilled Chickpea & Cucumber Delight—a vibrant salad brimming with flavor and nutrition. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a wealth of health benefits, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a barbecue, or searching for a light meal option, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

Cold Chickpea & Cucumber Salad

Beat the summer heat with the Chilled Chickpea & Cucumber Delight, a refreshing salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish is packed with nutritious ingredients like protein-rich chickpeas, hydrating cucumbers, and colorful cherry tomatoes. Easy to prepare, you can enjoy it on its own or as a side to grilled meats. Plus, with its health benefits and customizable options, it's sure to become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness

1/4 red onion, finely chopped for a crisp flavor

1 small bell pepper (choose red or yellow for a pop of color), diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped for freshness

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for creaminess)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for brightness

1 clove garlic, minced for a flavor kick

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin to enhance the earthy flavor

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, assemble the salad by combining the rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, and coarsely chopped parsley. If desired, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese for an optional creamy addition.

    In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are fully emulsified.

      Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon to gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

        Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to re-distribute the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors to your liking.

            Serve this vibrant and refreshing salad chilled, either as a delightful side dish or a light yet satisfying main course.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes (including chilling) | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls topped with a few extra crumbles of feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You may also add lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing garnish.