Mediterranean Chicken Chickpea Salad

This salad is perfect for any occasion! It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for satisfying your hunger. You won’t be able to resist this amazing salad – it’s that good! The combination of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more, and the best part? It's naturally gluten-free so ideal for sharing with guests!

Want something similar but vegetarian? Check out this Greek chickpea salad instead. Packed with flavor and tons of protein but still vegetarian-friendly!

black bowl of chickpea salad on light wood table

What Should I Serve This Salad With?

This salad is delicious on its own, but there are a few things that would make it even better. I like to serve it with some pita bread or crackers on the side.

It’s also great with a dollop of tzatziki sauce or hummus. And if you want something heartier, you could add some quinoa or rice to the mix.

Another idea to serve with this chicken chickpea salad is grilled or roasted vegetables for a bit different texture and added flavor.

light blue plate of chicken chickpea salad

Ingredients

1 boneless skinless chicken breast
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ medium red onion
2 cloves garlic
1 yellow bell pepper
2 medium tomatoes
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas

Optional salad additions

1 medium cucumber
1 (15 oz) can of whole kernel corn

For Dressing

3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

teal plate with mound of chickpea salad next to tomato slices

Handy Kitchen Tools

If you like Mediterranean foods, then make sure you check out my Mediterranean Air Fryer Cookbook with 95 delicious recipes to try that are healthy and easy to prepare.

small round light blue plate of chickpea salad with shaved cucumber and cherry tomatoes on sides

How to Make Chicken Chickpea Salad

Start by preparing all of your vegetables so it is easy to assemble. Wash and pat dry then chop the tomato, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and garlic. Then rinse and drain the chickpeas and corn. Set this aside.

Now, season the chicken breast with garlic powder, cumin, sage, or any Meditteranean blend of herbs that you prefer.

chicken breast on white cutting board being seasoned

Cook the chicken breast for 4 to 5 minutes per side over medium heat in a grill pan coated with olive oil. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to serve safely. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

pink tongs putting chicken breast into white grill pan

Next, combine the salad ingredients of onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, and chickpeas together in a large bowl. Set this bowl aside.

white bowl of tomatoes being poured into larger white bowl

Now, prepare your dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Now, pour the dressing over the vegetables and chickpeas then toss to coat well.

dressing being poured into bowl with chickpeas

Cut the chicken into small 1" chunks, then add to the salad before serving.

cooked chicken cut into chunks on cutting board

If adding corn and cucumber, mix it with the other ingredients at this time.

cucumber and corn being added to bowl of chicken chickpea salad

Toss to combine and chill until ready to serve. This is excellent with some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top! You can even add a bit of chopped avocado for more texture.

spoon of salad held above black bowl of Mediterranean chickpea salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Dry Chickpeas to Make This?

Yes, you can use dry chickpeas to make this salad. However, I prefer to use canned chickpeas because they’re already cooked and ready to go. This saves me time and effort when I’m making this salad.

If you do choose to use dry chickpeas, you’ll need to cook them before adding them to the salad. I recommend cooking them in an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker since it is so much faster.

What Vegetables Can I Add to This Salad?

There are so many vegetables that would be great in this salad! I like to keep things simple and use tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn. But feel free to get creative and add in your favorite veggies. Some other great options include red onion, instead of white, green bell pepper, kalamata olives, and even carrots.

Can I Make This With Chicken Thighs?

Yes, you can make this with chicken thighs. I prefer to use chicken breast because it’s leaner and has less fat. But chicken thighs will work just as well. If you do use chicken thighs, you may want to cook them for a longer time so they’re fully cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.

How Long is Chickpea Salad Good For?

This salad will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. I like to make a big batch and have it for lunch throughout the week. It’s the perfect way to meal prep and makes sure you have a healthy lunch option on hand.

If you do want to meal prep this salad, I recommend storing the chicken and vegetables in separate containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat, you can add everything together and enjoy!

chickpea salad topped with chicken and cilantro on teal plate

More Easy Salad Recipes

Salads are a favorite at our dinner table. Whether it is a side to an entree or a meal all by itself, there are tons of salad options below to add to your menu. Make sure that you bookmark these ideas, print out the recipes, or pin them to a board on Pinterest to make them soon.

📖 Recipe

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