Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and zesty chickpea salad with fresh basil and a lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a light meal or side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed canned chickpeas with 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Basil Chickpea Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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