Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes & Olives

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Olives is one of those recipes you’ll make on repeat. Creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, sweet red pepper, briny olives and plenty of fresh herbs are tossed in a bright lemon and garlic dressing for a salad that’s fresh, colourful and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavour.

Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for everything from easy lunches and meal prep to barbecues, picnics and simple weeknight dinners. Even better, it tastes even more delicious after a little time to marinate, making it an ideal make-ahead salad for any occasion.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Ingredients

The beauty of this Mediterranean-style chickpea salad is that it relies on everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl.

• Chickpeas – the hearty base that makes this salad filling, protein-rich and satisfying.
• Cherry tomatoes and red pepper – add sweetness, freshness and vibrant colour.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – add a rich, umami-packed savoury flavour with a subtle touch of sweetness and richness.
• Red onion – adds gentle sharpness.
• Kalamata and green olives – bring a delicious salty, briny contrast.
• Fresh parsley and mint (or basil) – plenty of herbs keep every bite fresh and aromatic.
• Lemon juice and red wine vinegar – create a bright, tangy dressing.
• Extra virgin olive oil – ties everything together with classic Mediterranean flavour.
• Garlic, sumac and paprika – simple seasonings that add warmth, citrusy notes and depth.

How to Make This Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes & Olives

Fresh, easy and practically foolproof. Just a little chopping, a quick whisk and you’re ready to eat.

1. Prep the salad: Add the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, olives and fresh herbs to a large serving bowl.
2. Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and spices, then pour it over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
3. Let the flavours mingle: If you have time, let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes before serving. Finish with a final toss, taste for seasoning and enjoy. 

You’ll find the full recipe with exact quantities in the printable recipe card below.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Salad Recipe

Fresh, colourful and packed with Mediterranean flavour, this is the kind of salad you’ll come back to all year long.

• Ready in just 15 minutes — no cooking required.
• Wholesome, satisfying and packed with plant-based protein and fibre.
• Even better once the flavours meld, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Delicious as a light lunch, easy side dish or part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.
• Easy to customise with your favourite vegetables, grains or cheese.

Tips for the Best Chickpea Salad

A few simple tricks make this salad even better.

• Let it rest for 15 minutes (or longer) so the flavours have time to mingle.
• Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil — you’ll taste the difference.
• Fresh herbs are key, adding brightness and plenty of flavour.
• Making it ahead? Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon before serving to freshen everything up.

What to Serve with This Easy Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes & Olives

This chickpea salad is at home on almost any table. Serve it with:

• Grilled chicken, salmon or prawns.
• Falafel with warm pita or flatbread.
• Lamb koftas or grilled vegetables.
• Hummus, baba ganoush and other mezze favourites.
• Enjoy it on its own with feta or avocado for a satisfying lunch.

It’s also a great choice for picnics, barbecues and packed lunches since it travels well and stays fresh without wilting!

More Chickpea Salad Recipes to Try

If you love chickpeas, try a wholesome twist with this Chickpea Tabbouleh Salad. When tomatoes are at their peak, my Chickpea Tomato Salad is always a great choice, while Zucchini Salad with Chickpeas is perfect for making the most of summer courgettes. And if you’re craving another colourful seasonal side, don’t miss my Tomato Nectarine Salad.

Elle

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

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A flavour-packed Mediterranean chickpea salad with tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs and a lemon dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for lunch, meal prep or a healthy side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

KochmodusDisplay bleibt an

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 as a side

Course: Salad, Side

Cuisine: Mediterannean

Calories: 315

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Ingredients

  

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For the salad:

• 2 × 400 g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper (or sweet pointed pepper), diced
• 300 g cherry or mini Roma tomatoes, halved
• 60 g sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and roughly chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 80 g Kalamata olives (pitted), halved
• 50 g green olives (pitted), halved
• 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (25–35 g)
• 1 generous handful fresh mint roughly chopped (15–20 g)

For the dressing:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• pinch of red pepper flakes or pul biber (optional)
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

1. Combine the salad: Add the chickpeas, bell pepper, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint (or basil) to a large serving bowl. Toss gently to combine.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. For the best flavour, let the salad rest for about 30 minutes before serving, or refrigerate until needed.
4. Serve: Toss once more before serving and taste to adjust the seasoning, if needed. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal

Notes

• Turn this chickpea salad into a complete meal by serving it in warm pita pockets with a drizzle of tahini, or as part of a vegetarian mezze platter alongside baba ganoush, hummus and warm flatbread.

For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.

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