This Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that brings together earthy roasted beets, hearty chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs in a refreshing lemon vinaigrette. It’s a colorful and satisfying salad I love making for lunch or as a side dish with dinner. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a wholesome choice any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how easy this salad is to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. The combination of protein-rich chickpeas, creamy feta, and sweet roasted beets makes it hearty enough to stand on its own. I often prepare it ahead of time for meal prep or pack it for a picnic. It holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better as the flavors meld together. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
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Roasted beets, peeled and chopped
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Crumbled feta cheese
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Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
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Red onion, thinly sliced
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Olive oil
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Fresh lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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I start by roasting the beets if I’m not using pre-cooked ones. I wrap them in foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes until tender, then let them cool and peel the skins off.
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In a large bowl, I combine the cooked chickpeas, chopped roasted beets, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, and thinly sliced red onion.
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I whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
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I pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to combine.
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I let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors blend beautifully.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to assemble, and if I need to roast the beets, I allow an additional 45–50 minutes of cooking time. Chilling for 30 minutes before serving really enhances the flavor.
Variations
Sometimes I switch things up by adding arugula or spinach for extra greens. I also like tossing in some toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. If I’m craving a Mediterranean vibe, I add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of oregano. For a vegan version, I simply leave out the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as it sits. I don’t reheat this salad—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the salad gets a little dry after a day or two, I just drizzle a bit more olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
FAQs
How do I roast beets for this salad?
I wrap whole beets in foil and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes. Once they’re cool, I peel off the skins and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use canned beets?
Yes, I can use canned or pre-cooked beets to save time. I just make sure they’re drained and chopped before adding them to the salad.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I often make it a day ahead, and it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, I can soak and cook dried chickpeas in advance. Once they’re tender and cooled, I use them just like canned chickpeas.
What kind of feta works best?
I prefer using block feta and crumbling it myself—it’s creamier and has more flavor than the pre-crumbled kind.
Conclusion
This Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It’s simple to make, customizable, and perfect for make-ahead meals. Whether I serve it as a side or a main, it’s always a hit.
Print
Fresh and Flavorful Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that combines earthy roasted beets, hearty chickpeas, tangy feta, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or light main, it’s refreshing, wholesome, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
- 2 medium roasted beets, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If not using pre-cooked beets, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets in foil and roast for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and chop.
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chopped roasted beets, crumbled feta, herbs, and sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use canned beets for quicker prep.
- Add arugula, spinach, or toasted nuts for variation.
- Use plant-based feta for a vegan version.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
