Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing

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

A refreshing salad combining tender steamed chickpeas with fresh herbs and a bright lemon vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or café-style gatherings. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs chickpeas (canned, drained), fresh parsley (chopped), fresh mint (chopped) 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 1/2 cups of drained chickpeas into a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 6 minutes until warmed through and tender.
  2. Step 2: While steaming, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin in a bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: After steaming, transfer chickpeas to a mixing bowl and add 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Pour the lemon dressing over and toss gently to combine all flavors.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing?

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 chickpeas (canned, drained) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing?

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 Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing 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 Steamed Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing 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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