Harissa Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant chickpea salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Combining fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and a spicy harissa kick, it’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Small pack coriander, roughly chopped
- Small pack parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp harissa
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, coriander, parsley, red onion, and tomatoes.
- Step 2: Add the olive oil, harissa, and lemon juice. Mix everything together, gently mashing the chickpeas slightly to help absorb the dressing.
- Step 3: Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. It can also be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped cucumber or toasted pine nuts.
- Adjust the harissa amount to control the spiciness.
- Serve alongside slow-cooked Greek lamb and tzatziki for a complete meal.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten cold or at room temperature. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas fully before using. They should be tender but not mushy.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The flavors improve when made ahead, so prepare it a day in advance for the best taste.
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Harissa Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful chickpea salad combining fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a spicy harissa dressing. This easy and nutritious salad can be prepared in minutes and is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish. The chickpeas are lightly mashed to help absorb the tangy lemon and spicy harissa dressing, creating a delightful, textured salad that pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes like slow-cooked Greek lamb and tzatziki.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Small pack coriander, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Small pack parsley, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. Roughly chop the coriander and parsley, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine salad components: In a large bowl, add the chickpeas, chopped coriander, parsley, sliced red onion, and chopped tomatoes. Gently mix them together.
- Mash the chickpeas slightly: Using the back of a spoon or a fork, lightly mash some of the chickpeas so that their surfaces become rough and slightly broken. This helps them to better absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- Prepare and add dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa paste, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the chickpea mixture.
- Mix thoroughly: Toss all the ingredients and dressing together until well combined, ensuring the chickpeas and veggies are evenly coated with the harissa lemon dressing.
- Chill and serve: The salad can be eaten immediately or covered and refrigerated for up to a day to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside slow-cooked Greek lamb and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 24 hours and may taste even better as the flavors develop.
- Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice preference.
- Fresh herbs like coriander and parsley add brightness, but feel free to substitute with mint or basil if preferred.
- For added texture, you can toss in some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve with warm pita bread for a more filling dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: chickpea salad, Mediterranean salad, harissa chickpeas, vegetarian salad, easy chickpea recipe, healthy salad
