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To make the High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for added protein) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste For extra protein and flavor, you can try adding: - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup cooked and diced chicken breast When selecting fresh ingredients, look for: - Chickpeas: Choose canned chickpeas with no added salt for health. - Tomatoes: Pick bright, firm cherry tomatoes for sweetness. - Basil: Smell the basil. It should have a strong, fresh scent. - Onions: Use a red onion for a milder, sweeter taste. - Feta Cheese: Select a creamy feta for the best texture. Always wash your herbs and vegetables well to ensure freshness and safety. For the full recipe, check the instructions and enjoy making this tasty salad! To make the High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad, follow these simple steps. Preparation Steps 1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and finely chopped red onion. This mix brings bright colors and flavors to the salad. 2. Add Feta Cheese: If you want extra protein, add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. This gives a creamy texture and a salty kick that pairs well with the other ingredients. 3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it blends well. This dressing adds a zesty flavor, enhancing the salad's overall taste. 4. Combine Everything: Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor. 5. Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the salad. If you think it needs more seasoning, add a bit more salt or pepper to your liking. 6. Flavor Melding Process: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience. For a detailed view of the ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. To make your High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad shine, adjust the seasoning. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the salad before adding more. This ensures you find the perfect flavor. For the best flavor balance, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil brings a bright taste. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Rinse the chickpeas well to remove any can taste. This simple step elevates your dish. When it comes to presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl. A platter also works well. This allows colors to pop. Garnish with extra basil leaves on top. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a special touch. For extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It creates a nice contrast. Remember, a beautiful dish makes it more inviting. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant salad! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chickpeas for other beans or legumes. White beans or black beans both work well. They add protein and taste. You can also try lentils for a different texture. Using seasonal veggies can change the salad’s flavor. Fresh corn in summer adds sweetness. In fall, roasted squash gives warmth. You can toss in diced cucumbers for a crisp bite or bell peppers for color. For dressings, olive oil and lemon juice are great, but you can try others. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet tang. A tahini dressing brings a nutty flavor. You can mix herbs, like dill or parsley, to change the taste. With these swaps, you can keep the recipe fresh and exciting. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep out air and moisture. This helps maintain the salad's flavor and texture. Recommended container types: - Glass containers with tight lids - Plastic food storage containers - Mason jars for single servings The salad stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. However, note that freezing may change the texture of the tomatoes and basil. Shelf life and freezing options: - In the fridge: 3 days - In the freezer: 1 month (for best quality) Remember, if you freeze the salad, it’s best to eat it fresh after thawing. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your salad knowing it stays crisp and tasty for days! How can I make this salad vegan? To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use a vegan cheese or leave it out. The salad will still taste great without it. Can I prepare the salad a day ahead? Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to blend well. What are the nutrition benefits of chickpeas? Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber. They help you feel full and support digestion. They also contain vitamins and minerals, like iron and folate. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge and serves as a quick lunch or snack throughout the week. How do I make it gluten-free? This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like dressings, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy it worry-free. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your delicious High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad! This blog post shared a tasty High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them with step-by-step instructions. I offered tips to perfect the flavor and presentation. You also explored variations and found helpful storage info. In conclusion, this salad is simple, nutritious, and easy to adjust. Enjoy making your unique version and share it with friends!

High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad

Discover the delicious and nutritious High Protein Chickpea, Basil & Tomato Salad that’s perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, and basil with a zesty dressing for a refreshing salad that packs a protein punch. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a fantastic option for lunch or dinner. Click through to explore this vibrant dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for added protein)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and finely chopped red onion.

    If you are using feta cheese, add it to the bowl for a creamy texture and extra protein.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the dressing.

        Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.

          Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

            Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a vibrant look.