Print

Tzatziki Chickpea Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

This Tzatziki Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish combining creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, tender chickpeas, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a side salad or a light meal, it is easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile, offering a delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich vegetarian option with bright, tangy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Tzatziki Base

  • 2 cucumbers, grated using a box grater, excess water squeezed out very well (about 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, plus extra for sprinkling (or half the quantity chopped fresh mint)
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed using garlic press, finely grated or very finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 x 400g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, well drained
  • 3/4 cup finely sliced celery (about 1 to 2 stems)
  • 2 tbsp chopped capers (can substitute cornichons or dill pickles)

Instructions

  1. Mix Tzatziki Base: In a large bowl, combine the grated and well-drained cucumbers, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh dill, crushed garlic, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Add Salad Components: Add the well-drained chickpeas, finely sliced celery, and chopped capers to the bowl. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors uniformly.
  3. Let Flavors Meld: While you can serve the salad immediately, it is best to let it rest for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors, especially the saltiness from the capers and the pungency from the garlic, to meld well. The salad tastes even better the next day. Before serving, taste and adjust salt if needed.
  4. Serve: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle additional fresh dill for garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy.
  5. Serving Suggestions: This salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone salad meal. It also works wonderfully stuffed into sandwiches or wraps with added avocado as a binder. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or canned tuna.

Notes

  • Note 1: You can substitute fresh dill with half the quantity of chopped fresh mint if desired for a different flavor profile.
  • Note 2: If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook until tender before using. Canned chickpeas are used here for convenience.
  • Flavors improve with resting time, so prepare ahead when possible.
  • Adjust salt according to taste, keeping in mind capers add saltiness.

Keywords: Tzatziki, Chickpea Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Greek Yogurt Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Healthy Salad, No-Cook Salad

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/tzatziki-chickpea-salad-recipe/