Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac Dressing
A vibrant Mediterranean salad combining roasted chickpeas with tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a bright sumac vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends ounces feta cheese, crumbled, medium cucumber, diced, cherry tomatoes, halved into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac powder
- 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend evenly. Toss to coat and roast for 25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway until chickpeas are crispy.
- Step 2: While chickpeas roast, in a large bowl combine 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 3: In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sumac powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Remove chickpeas from oven and let cool slightly. Add the roasted chickpeas to the large bowl with vegetables and cheese.
- Step 5: Pour the sumac dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients, serving immediately for a fresh, zesty salad.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac 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 Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea and Feta Salad with Sumac Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.