Mint and Orange Blossom Water Chickpea Salad

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

A revitalizing Mediterranean-inspired salad combining tender chickpeas, fresh mint, and a splash of fragrant orange blossom water for a uniquely refreshing bite. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs finely chopped fresh mint leaves, orange blossom water, 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 250 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 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas with 1/4 finely diced red onion and 1/2 diced cucumber.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp orange blossom water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chickpeas and vegetables, tossing gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a burst of cooling vibrancy.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts on top before serving to add a toasty texture and nutty flavor, creating a revitalizing and aromatic salad perfect for warm weather.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mint and Orange Blossom Water 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 Mint and Orange Blossom Water 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 orange blossom water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mint and Orange Blossom Water 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 Mint and Orange Blossom Water 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 Mint and Orange Blossom Water Chickpea Salad vegan?

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

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