Canned chickpeas, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers form the base of this hearty, no-cook salad. A tangy shallot vinaigrette brightens every bite.
Bright, crunchy, and full of flavor, this Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette makes a great side or an easy main when paired with grilled protein. The dressing soaks into the vegetables, making it even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
No cooking required. If you’re new to cooking, no-cook recipes like this one are an easy way to build kitchen confidence while still serving something impressive.
Serve alongside rotisserie chicken, seared salmon, or enjoy on its own for a light, satisfying meal.
If you enjoy easy, no-cook meals, explore other simple recipes that require little to no stove time. Try protein-packed options and fresh salads for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches.
Give this hearty salad a try—you’ll love how fresh and flavorful it is. Enjoy!
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Ingredients for Cucumber Chickpea Salad
This versatile salad uses pantry staples and fresh produce. Quantities and details are below so you can prepare it easily.
- Shallot: Milder and slightly sweet compared to onions. Let it sit in the acid for a few minutes to tame the bite.
- Garlic: One clove, minced, adds depth.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brings bright acidity to the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Classic in Greek-style dressings; white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used instead.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality oil—only a few tablespoons are needed.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acid.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth texture.
- Veggies: Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and canned green olives form the salad base.
- Chickpeas: Drained and rinsed canned chickpeas add fiber and plant protein.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and mint brighten the salad with aroma and freshness.
How to Make Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
Follow these simple steps to assemble the salad.
1. Make the dressing: Add minced shallot and garlic to a bowl or jar with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit 10–15 minutes to mellow the shallot.
2. Whisk in the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a few grinds of black pepper until combined.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, chickpeas (drained and rinsed), chopped cherry tomatoes, chopped green olives, chopped basil, and chopped mint.
Recipe Tip
I like to rinse and loosen the chickpea skins before tossing the salad. It takes a few extra minutes but improves the texture and flavor.
4. Toss the salad with the dressing until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate—flavors deepen after a few hours and it’s excellent the next day.
More Easy, High-Protein Recipes
- Miso Tuna Handrolls
- Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Gluten-Free Baked Chicken Tenders
- Grilled Strawberry Balsamic Chicken
- Miso Marinated Sea Bass
CUCUMBER CHICKPEA GREEK SALAD WITH SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 small shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A few grinds of pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ¾ cup green olives, chopped
- ¼ cup basil, chopped
- ¼ cup mint, chopped
Instructions
- Add the minced shallot and garlic to a jar or bowl with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit 10–15 minutes to mellow the shallot.
- Stir in olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and pepper until combined.
- Add cucumbers, chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, basil, and mint to a serving bowl and toss with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or chill for a few hours—this salad is even better the next day.
Notes
This salad is excellent for meal prep; flavors deepen after the ingredients sit and absorb the dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 316 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 17 g | Fiber: 9 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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