🥗 Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad

⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook (if using raw beets): 40–60 minutes
• Total: ~20 min (with pre-cooked beets)

🧾 Ingredients

Salad

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained & rinsed)
• 2 medium beets (beetroot), cooked and diced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 cups arugula or spinach (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)

Lemon–Garlic Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the beets (if raw)

• Wash and trim beets.
• Wrap in foil and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 40–60 minutes
  (or boil for 25–30 minutes).
• Let cool, peel, and dice.

2. Prepare dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble salad

• In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, beets, cucumber, onion, and greens.
• Pour dressing over and toss gently.

4. Finish

• Top with feta, herbs, and nuts.
• Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for better flavor.

🍽 Tips

• Use gloves when handling beets to avoid staining.
• Add avocado for creaminess.
• Sprinkle chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

❓ Q&A (Common Questions)

Q1: Can I use canned beets?

Yes. Just drain and rinse them. Fresh roasted beets give better flavor, but canned works for convenience.

Q2: Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Replace feta with:

• Vegan feta
• Or skip it and add avocado or toasted seeds

Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?

• Keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
• Add feta just before serving for best texture.

Q4: Can I meal prep this?

Yes, but store components separately if possible:

• Salad base (chickpeas + veggies)
• Dressing
• Feta
  Mix just before eating.

Q5: What can I serve it with?

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Pita bread or flatbread
• As a side for rice dishes

Q6: How do I make it more filling?

Add:

• Quinoa or couscous
• Grilled chicken or tofu
• Boiled eggs

Q7: Can I skip garlic?

Yes. Replace with:

• A pinch of garlic powder
• Or just leave it out for a milder dressing

Q8: Why are my beets too soft?

They may be overcooked. Next time:

• Roast instead of boiling for firmer texture
• Check tenderness with a fork earlier