Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (Greek Cowboy Caviar)

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a vibrant mix of chickpeas, black beans, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a sweet and tangy salad dressing that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s our Greek-inspired take on classic cowboy caviar! You can serve it as a light and refreshing appetizer to kick off your meal or enjoy it as a satisfying main course that’s sure to keep you fueled and satisfied.

Chickpeas vs. Garbanzo Beans

We often get questions about the difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. The truth is, there is none! They’re the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Either way, they’re little tan-colored pods that are part of the legume family and are commonly found in vegan and vegetarian dishes. 

Are Chickpeas Healthy? 

Yes! Chickpeas are nutritional powerhouses and are loaded with fiber, nutrients, and plant-based protein to keep you full and satisfied! 

Chickpea Salad Ingredients

For the Dressing

• Olive Oil – Mild in flavor and full of healthy fats, olive oil helps form the base of the dressing. 
• Lemon Juice – Lemon juice helps add a slightly acidic element that lightens up the heaviness of the oil and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dressing. 
• Vinegar – Vinegar elevates the acidity of this dish and acts as a preservative, keeping your chickpea salad fresh! 
• Herbs and Spices – We included salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Feel free to experiment, and add ingredients to fit your preferences. 
• Honey – The secret to taking this dressing to the next level, adding just a touch of honey boosts the antioxidant profile even more and creates an irresistible sweet flavor you’ll love! 

For the Salad 

• Chickpeas – You can boil uncooked chickpeas, but we prefer the canned versions to make this salad super fast. 
• Black Beans – Again, we opt for canned black beans, but use whatever you have on hand! 
• Cucumbers – For the best texture, we recommend using English cucumbers or baby cucumbers. They have thinner skins, making them easier to chop and bite into. 
• Red Onion – Red onions contain more antioxidants than white onions and have a slightly spicier flavor we prefer for this chickpea salad. 
• Herbs – We opted for cilantro and parsley for a super refreshing taste! If you don’t like cilantro, you could use chives or dill instead. Whichever herbs you pick, just make sure they’re fresh! 
• Tomatoes – For a slightly sweeter flavor, we prefer Roma or cherry tomatoes. 
• Olives – We used a combination of green olives and Kalamata olives so as to minimize the saltiness and bitterness of this dish. If you prefer, you can use just one kind. 

How to Make a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Start with the Dressing 

1. Combine all of the dressing ingredients.
2. Shake or stir until smooth and creamy. 

Toss the Salad 

1. Rinse and drain the beans. 
2. Chop all the veggies. 
3. Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. 
4. Drizzle the dressing on top. 
5. Toss to combine. 

Flavor Variations

This chickpea salad recipe is super filling and flavorful as it is, but it can easily be customized to fit your preferences! Some of our favorite variations are listed below. 

Add Protein. If you’re not following a vegan or vegetarian diet, this chickpea salad pairs great with grilled chicken or shrimp for even more protein. 

Sprinkle in Feta. For a creamier taste, you can never go wrong with a sprinkle of feta cheese!

Bulk It Up with Quinoa. If you want a slightly heartier salad, cooked quinoa makes for a great plant-based addition. 

Mix In Avocado. For extra healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients, we love to toss in sliced avocado, too! 

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time? 

We love to prepare this chickpea salad in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, we don’t recommend freezing it as it will become soggy once thawed. 

More Chickpea Salad Recipes

If you’re crazy about chickpeas like we are, then you’re in for a treat! Check out these other awesome recipes that put the tasty little legumes front and center.

• As vibrant in flavor as it is in color, this One Pot Greek Couscous is nourishing, refreshing, and quick to make! 
• Easily customizable to fit your needs, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a delicious powerhouse of a recipe that’s packed full of nutrients, too. 
• This Vegan Roasted Eggplant Salad is made with fresh ingredients and a homemade tahini dressing you’re going to love.