Broccoli Salad With Chickpeas and Feta Cheese

Our Mediterranean cultural background has inspired this wonderful vegetarian broccoli salad, featuring protein-rich chickpeas and creamy, savory feta cheese. Light, healthy, and delicious, our broccoli salad recipe will become your go-to for a quick, cold, refreshing lunch. The flavor pops!

Personally, I love the unique, fresh taste of this salad. Bites of crunchy broccoli with spiced chickpeas, salty olives, and creamy feta cheese all hang in perfect balance with our homemade raspberry vinaigrette

No-Mayo Broccoli Salad

There are times, but not often, when we choose a mayonnaise dressing for our salads, but today we wanted a refreshing lighter vinaigrette that would complement all the flavors in this summery salad. If you've been looking for a no-mayo broccoli salad that doesn't simply replace the mayo for plain Greek yogurt -- this one is it. You'll feel like you are eating at a trendy gourmet restaurant but from the comfort of your home. As a bonus, this dish travels well if you need something to take to the office or potlucks.

What's in Broccoli Salad?

A typical broccoli salad recipe is usually made with dried cranberries, almonds, and a creamy dressing, but not this one. We like to shake things up around here and transform an otherwise not-so-healthy salad recipe into a healthier, more interesting dish. We are always looking for ways to give classic recipes a makeover so they stand out from the crowd, and this broccoli chickpea salad rises to the occasion.

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Chickpeas

• Broccoli. We use frozen broccoli, thawed. You can use fresh broccoli, raw or blanched. It will probably be a little crunchier.
• Spiced Chickpeas: So easy to make and full of warming spices.
• Sundried Tomatoes in olive oil: Found in a jar near the olives in the supermarket aisle, they give this salad a delightful chewy tanginess
• Kalamata Olives: Buy them pitted or remove the pits yourself. They add a nice savory flavor. e.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese. Buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself, it is so much better. You could also use goat cheese. Want to make it vegan? Use vegan feta cheese.

Ingredients for the Homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil is essential when making homemade salad dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: I love using red wine vinegar for this recipe, but you can substitute it for apple cider vinegar.
• Raspberry Preserves: Adds sweetness and flavor.
• Seasoning. Dijon Mustard, Dry Oregano, Salt, and Black Pepper.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Chickpeas

Make your spiced chickpeas and thaw your broccoli first. You don't want to cook the broccoli; just thaw it at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces. Mix all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the dressing in a separate bowl, and toss the dressing with the salad and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Chickpea Salad

• You can add nuts or savory granola for additional crunch. Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds would also work.
• If you want to add some heat, chop a jalapeño pepper.
• Make the spiced chickpeas the day before and refrigerate.
• Chill all the ingredients so your salad is nice and cold when you ready to serve it.
• If your broccoli feels too wet to add to the salad, spin it in the salad spinner or dry it with paper towels.
• If you are using fresh broccoli remember that broccoli stems are very tasty! Peel them, slice them thin, and add them to your salad.

How to Store This Broccoli Salad with Chickpeas

Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. Shake up the container or stir the bowl well before eating. You can keep the dressing separately in an airtight jar for ten days and add it to the salad as needed, which will allow all the ingredients to stay fresh and the salad will last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can broccoli salad with chickpeas be made ahead?

Yes! Make it the day before you plan to serve it, but keep the dressing separate until you take it to the table for the tastiest results.

How long does Broccoli Salad with Chickpeas last?

If refrigerated properly, it will keep for up to 4 days.

Should I blanch the broccoli for Broccoli Chickpea Salad?

It's up to you. We prefer to use frozen broccoli thawed for this salad because it is quick and easy. Frozen broccoli is already blanched, crunchy, and to enjoy! You can certainly use raw broccoli. To blanch fresh broccoli, boil it for three to five minutes, place it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, drain it and chill before making the salad.

What to serve with broccoli chickpea salad?

I love having this as my main dish for a light lunch. However, it also works as a side dishes that go perfectly with sandwiches, a veggie burger, or almost any healthy protein.

Is broccoli salad with chickpeas sugar-free?

No. Most dressings for broccoli salad include some amount of sugar. Our raspberry vinaigrette includes preserves which do contain sugar.

More Healthy Salad Recipes You'll Love

• Feta Watermelon Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Fattoush Salad
• 5-Ingredient Artichoke Salad
• Tabouli salad

Also, check out our chickpea recipes

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