Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh Mediterranean salad combining crisp zucchini ribbons, protein-rich chickpeas, and a tangy lemon tahini dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, shaved into ribbons zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Use a vegetable peeler to shave 2 medium zucchinis into thin ribbons and place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Season the dressing with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then pour over the salad.
  5. Step 5: Toss gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing 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 Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini 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 Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini 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 Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini 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.

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