Delicious Tzatziki Chickpea Salad with fresh herbs and vegetables

Tzatziki Chickpea Salad Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that packs a punch of flavor. Combining the creamy goodness of tzatziki with hearty chickpeas, this salad is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish for barbecues and gatherings. It’s quick to make, and the flavors only get better with time. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet!

How to Make Tzatziki Chickpea Salad

  1. Mix – Start by putting the tzatziki ingredients in a big bowl and mix everything together. Then, add the chickpeas, celery, and capers, and mix again until well combined.

  2. Wait 1 Hour – You can enjoy the salad right away, but it’s best to let it sit for at least one hour. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, especially the saltiness from the capers and the garlic. It’s even tastier the next day! Before serving, taste the salad and add a pinch of extra salt if needed.

  3. Serve – Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional dill. Now, dive in and enjoy this delicious salad!

Ingredients

  • 2 cucumbers (grated using a box grater, excess water squeezed out very well (3/4 cup once squeezed))
  • 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (or thick plain yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill (or half the quantity chopped fresh mint)
  • 1 large garlic clove (crushed using garlic press, finely grated or very finely minced using a knife)
  • 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 2 x 400g / 14 oz cans chickpeas (well drained)
  • 3/4 cup finely sliced celery (1 – 2 stems)
  • 2 tbsp chopped capers (can substitute with cornichons or dill pickles)

How to Serve Tzatziki Chickpea Salad

This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pita bread, or fresh vegetables. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light meal, topped with additional herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a burst of freshness.

How to Store Tzatziki Chickpea Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within 3-4 days. Note that the flavors will deepen over time, so it can taste even better the next day!

Tips to Make Tzatziki Chickpea Salad

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumbers to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Depending on the saltiness of the capers, you might need to add a little more salt.
  • Feel free to add other ingredients you love, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, for extra color and flavor!

Variation

If you’re looking for a variation, consider using different herbs such as parsley or swapping out chickpeas for cooked quinoa. You can also experiment with adding feta cheese for an extra creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Just make sure to soak and cook them properly before adding them to the salad.

2. Is it necessary to let the salad sit before serving?
While you can eat it right away, letting it sit for at least an hour enhances the flavor as everything melds together.

3. How do I make it vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.