Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is chickpea salad good for health? ›

Chickpeas are a great source of fibre, potassium, vitamin C and B-6. They also offer a whopping 39 grams of protein per cup as well! They fill you up, support your immune system and keep you regular. What's not to love?

Yes, you can eat chickpeas salad at night for weight loss. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease.

This salad is perfectly balanced with so many of the Mediterranean flavors I love most — peppery arugula, hearty chickpeas, cool cucumbers, smoky roasted reds, tangy feta cheese and a super-simple herby Greek vinaigrette that brings it all together. It is easy to throw together in just 10 or 15 minutes.

Whenever it comes to making salads with chickpeas, I like to start with raw chickpeas. Canned is fine when I am in rush but if I can plan ahead, I always like to use raw chickpeas and boil them in the morning. The texture is just so much better in my opinion.

Chickpeas can positively impact your high blood sugar due to their low GI, high fibre and protein content. However, consuming legumes as part of a balanced meal is essential, as excessive consumption or high-GI ingredients added to chickpea recipes can raise your blood sugar levels.

In fact, many registered dietitians say that if you eat canned chickpeas regularly, your body will actually see a myriad of health benefits. Between the plant-based protein, fiber, and even the complex carbohydrates that are within these tiny legumes, having chickpeas in your diet is ultimately a good health move.

Chickpeas May Help Control Your Weight

Because chickpeas are high in fiber, they help you to feel fuller longer. Satiety means you won't overeat, which helps you maintain or lose weight. They're also delicious when they're made into hummus.

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ). Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein.

"Chickpeas are wonderful to add directly to your dish—like salad, pasta, or soup—for extra protein and fiber," Cannon told us. If you're craving a satisfying crunch, she recommends roasting them with avocado oil and plain ol' sea salt.

It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains ingredients full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as oil and onion, which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. We suggest adding this low-fat superfood to your everyday diet!

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Plenty of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a source of healthy fat. A good amount of fish, especially fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

So really, there is no wrong answer. Both are correct! This unique, nutrient-packed bean has been popular in the Middle East for many years, as chickpeas are a staple ingredient in many of the region's most well-known dishes like hummus and falafel.

The name chickpea comes from the Latin word cicer, referring to the plant family of legumes, Fabaceae. It is also known by its popular Spanish-derived name, the garbanzo bean. Kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, and peanuts are other familiar foods found in this legume family.

Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked chickpeas. You can eat canned chickpeas straight out of the can! (Just be sure to rinse them off before chowing down to wash out excess sodium) Otherwise, you can roast them or turn them into any number of delicious dishes, like these here.

Risks. People should not eat raw chickpeas or other raw pulses, as they can contain toxins and substances that are difficult to digest. Even cooked chickpeas have complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and lead to intestinal gas and discomfort.

Normally I like to eat this salad for lunch over mixed greens or spinach but you can also enjoy it as is. It's full of plant-based protein from chickpeas, a great option to pack for lunch, or even as an easy side dish for a BBQ or potluck, so let's do it up!

They're also very healthy, boasting vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. These characteristics may support weight management, blood sugar regulation, and brain health while reducing your risk of chronic ailments like heart disease and cancer.