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Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad Recipe

4.4 from 63 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad combining roasted beets, protein-rich chickpeas, fresh greens, and crunchy sunflower seeds. Tossed in a tangy olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of earthiness, creaminess, and zest for a wholesome meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium beets, roasted and chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the cleaned beets in aluminum foil and roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven, let them cool, then peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach or mixed greens to create the foundation for your salad.
  3. Add the main ingredients: Add the rinsed chickpeas, roasted chopped beets, and thinly sliced red onion to the greens in the bowl.
  4. Add the feta: Gently crumble and sprinkle the feta cheese over the salad, mixing carefully so it blends without breaking apart too much to maintain texture.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice). Season this dressing with salt and pepper to your preference.
  6. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything to ensure the dressing evenly coats all components.
  7. Add final touches: Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch if using. Serve the salad fresh as a nutritious lunch or dinner side dish.

Notes

  • Roasting the beets ahead of time saves prep during meal assembly.
  • Sunflower seeds are optional but add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.
  • You can substitute balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a more citrusy dressing.
  • For a vegan version, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Ensure to rinse chickpeas well to reduce sodium if using canned.

Keywords: chickpea salad, beet salad, feta cheese salad, roasted beet recipe, Mediterranean salad, healthy vegetable salad, easy lunch, vegetarian salad