Chickpea Pesto Red Onion Salad
Bright, zesty, and effortlessly satisfying, this Chickpea Pesto Red Onion Salad is a vibrant blend of wholesome ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach, this salad is elevated by a homemade pesto-lemon dressing that adds tangy, herbaceous notes. Thinly sliced red onions, mellowed in cold water for a subtle sweetness, bring just the right balance, while a sprinkle of optional crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy finish. Ready in just 15 minutes and perfect as a light main dish or a hearty side, this no-cook recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Ideal for meal prep, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days in the fridge. Healthy, quick, and delicious, this is your go-to recipe for an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 0.5 piece Red onion
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons Pesto sauce
- 100 grams Baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 piece Lemon (juiced)
- 50 grams Feta cheese (crumbled, optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the red onion. Slice half a red onion thinly into half-moons. Soak the slices in a small bowl of cold water for about 5-10 minutes to mellow their sharpness. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), halved cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto sauce, olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4
Pour the pesto dressing over the chickpea mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
Step 5
Add the soaked and drained red onion slices to the salad. Toss lightly once more.
Step 6
If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for added creaminess and flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Step 7
Serve immediately as a main or side dish. This salad can also be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (930.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1384.2 |
| Total Fat 73.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 7.8g | |
| Cholesterol 54.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3059.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 135.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 37.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.5g | |
| Protein 53.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 713.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1940.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories