Lemon-Dill Cucumber and Chickpea Salad
A crisp, tangy cucumber salad with protein-rich chickpeas and fresh dill, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a light picnic side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs chopped fresh dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes cucumber
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 medium cucumbers diced into 1/2-inch cubes with 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until well blended.
- Step 4: Pour the lemon dressing over the cucumber and chickpeas, tossing gently to coat all ingredients. Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Cucumber and 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-Dill Cucumber and 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 chopped fresh dill from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Cucumber and 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-Dill Cucumber and 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-Dill Cucumber and Chickpea Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.