If you're looking for a fresh, fuss-free way to feel lighter, look better, and impress your friends at your next BBQ or summer gathering, this Easy No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad with Lemon Feta Dressing is your new go-to.
Packed with garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, peppers, red onion, and a tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, honey, and briny feta cheese, it’s the kind of chickpea salad recipe that doesn’t just taste incredible—it transforms your routine.
It’s an effortless meal prep win, perfect as a quick lunch, main course, or excellent side dish. Forget expensive grocery store summer salads filled with mystery ingredients—this salad uses simple ingredients like fresh herbs, canned chickpeas, and extra-virgin olive oil for full control, fresh flavor, and total confidence.
Bonus: it stores beautifully in an airtight container for 3–4 days, making it ideal for beach days, camping trips, or a vibrant vegan diet. Eat well, feel great, and let your vibrant, healthy self shine—because looking amazing starts with how you eat.
This Mediterranean chickpea salad is one of those great recipes that checks every box—nutritional, affordable, and crowd-pleasing.
Thanks to protein-packed hearty chickpeas. Feel free to add black beans, and cannellini beans, this dish is a favorite among vegan chickpea salad fans and flexitarian foodies alike.
Loaded with fresh veggies like grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and topped with fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh mint, this easy chickpea salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
You can even toss in artichoke hearts, salad greens, or creamy avocado for extra texture and nutrients.
The best part? It’s perfect served cold straight from a sealed container, stuffed into a warm pita pocket, or piled high on a bed of lettuce.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a quick meal, or looking for healthy dinner options, this simple dish will quickly become one of your absolute favorites.
Here are some more Weight Watcher friendly side dishes and desserts you may like Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, Air Fryer Polenta, Easy Naan Bread , Air Fryer Avocado Fries, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins and my favorite Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad
Weight Watcher Friendly - This light and refreshing Summer Chickpea Salad is only 1 WW point on my WW app for one full size serving of no-bake chickpea salad.
Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW personal points.
✅ 1. Feel-Good Food That Shows
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s a beauty booster. With plant-based protein, fiber-rich chickpeas, and a refreshing lemon feta dressing, it helps you feel lighter, glow brighter, and fuel your body naturally. People will notice the difference—and they’ll ask for your secret.
✅ 2. A Breeze to Make (No Stove Required!)
No oven, no stress! This no-bake summer chickpea salad comes together in just minutes with ingredients you probably already have. It’s the ultimate healthy solution for busy weekdays, last-minute gatherings, or steamy summer nights.
✅ 3. Shareable, Snackable, Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you're heading to a BBQ, pool party, or family dinner, this vibrant salad steals the show. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and way better (and cheaper) than those mystery deli salads at the grocery store.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR YOUR NEW FAVORITE SUMMER SALAD
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – The hearty base of this Mediterranean chickpea salad, chickpeas are plant-based protein powerhouses that keep you full, support gut health, and add a satisfying bite. They soak up flavor beautifully, making every spoonful crave-worthy.
Cherry Tomatoes – These little gems bring vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and a boost of antioxidants like lycopene. They’re perfect for warm-weather salads and add that fresh produce feel that makes this dish taste like summer in a bowl.
Cucumber – Crisp, hydrating, and full of fiber, cucumbers add refreshing crunch and help balance the briny and creamy elements of the salad. Plus, they reduce the need for heavy dressings, making this an even more light and healthy salad.
Kalamata Olives – Salty, bold, and authentically Mediterranean, these olives provide depth and balance. They're rich in heart-healthy fats and give the salad a distinct Greek salad vibe with every bite.
Feta Cheese – Crumbly, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, briny feta cheese ties the salad together. It adds richness without heaviness and blends beautifully with the lemon vinaigrette. A little goes a long way to make this salad taste gourmet.
How to make No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad with Lemon Feta Dressing
1: Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
Open two cans of chickpeas, rinse under cool water, and drain well. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help the dressing stick better.
2: Chop the fresh vegetables.
Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh parsley and any other fresh herbs you’re using like dill or mint.
3: Add everything to a large mixing bowl.
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4: Make the lemon feta dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic and salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat). Taste and adjust seasoning.
5: Pour dressing over the salad.
Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Let the flavors soak in for at least 10–15 minutes before serving.
6: Chill and serve.
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to marinate. Serve cold as a main course, easy lunch, or excellent side dish. Top with sliced avocado.
Watch the How to Make the No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad Video here...
💡 Helpful Kitchen Tool: Salad Dressing Shaker
If you're anything like me, you're always looking for ways to make healthy eating easier and less messy—especially when it comes to homemade dressings. That’s why I love using a salad dressing shaker like this OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker. It's perfect for whipping up the lemon feta dressing in my popular no-bake summer chickpea salad, and it takes all the guesswork (and cleanup!) out of mixing. Just pour in your ingredients, shake it up, and drizzle—no small bowl whisk or extra dishes needed. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for later use, and works great for other dressings, marinades, or even infused oils. If you're planning to meal prep this salad, trust me—this little tool is a total game-changer.
🌟 Expert Tips for the Best Summer Chickpea Salad Every Time
- Dry your chickpeas well.
After rinsing, pat chickpeas dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the dressing cling better and prevents a watery salad. - Use fresh herbs generously.
Fresh parsley, dill, or mint adds bright, clean flavor. Don’t skip them—they elevate the salad from basic to restaurant-quality. - Let it marinate.
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the chickpeas time to soak up the zesty dressing. - Customize your add-ins.
Try adding chopped artichoke hearts, avocado, or even white beans for extra texture, creaminess, and nutritional power. - Balance the acidity.
If your lemon feta dressing tastes too tart, add an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup to round out the flavors naturally. - Make it ahead.
This salad gets better over time, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or prepping the night before a party. - Use a sharp knife.
Crisp veggies like cucumber and bell pepper can bruise easily. A clean, sharp knife helps preserve their texture and presentation. - Store properly.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. - Serve it creatively.
Enjoy over leafy greens, stuff it into a pita pocket, or serve alongside grilled chicken breast or warm pita breadfor a complete meal. - Double the recipe.
Hosting a summer BBQ or need a quick side for the week? This salad scales easily—just use a large mixing bowland double the ingredients!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Chickpea Salad
Yes! Canned chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so the dressing clings better.
This salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have marinated and blended.
Absolutely! Just skip the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan and loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.
It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it chilled as a side dish, in a pita pocket for a quick lunch, on top of leafy greens, or even as a main course alongside grilled proteins or warm flatbread.
Yes, it’s a perfect make-ahead salad for summer parties, BBQs, or camping trips. Mix everything the night before and store in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir before serving and you're good to go!
Yes! While canned chickpeas are super convenient, you can also cook dried chickpeas from scratch. Soak them overnight, then simmer for 1–2 hours until tender. You can also pressure cook them in an Instant Pot for faster results—no soaking required. Some grocery stores even sell frozen pre-cooked chickpeas, which just need thawing. All are great options if you want to control the sodium, texture, or avoid cans altogether.
🌿 Are You on a Wellness Journey?
If you're following Weight Watchers like I am, you’ll love that this no-bake summer chickpea salad is only 1 WW point on most plans—meaning you can fill your plate with this fresh, vibrant dish without guilt.
It’s the kind of recipe that supports your health goals and keeps you full and energized. And if you’re looking to keep that momentum going, don’t miss my bestselling Healthy Muffin Cookbook, available on Amazon and as an instant digital download.
Or grab my Summer Reset Bundle, which includes the muffin book, my 30-Day Smoothie Challenge, and the Ultimate Book of Fat-Burning Recipes—all three for just $9.99. It’s the perfect trio to help you eat well, feel better, and thrive this season—without ever feeling deprived.
👉 NEED HELP TRACKING?
I’ve created a guide with the 2025 WW Zero Point Food List - [Click here to grab it for free →] as well as a Meal Planner - [ Click here to grab it for free ]
Easy No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad with Lemon Feta Dressing
- Total Time: 10 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Cups 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
If you're looking for a fresh, fuss-free way to feel lighter, look better, and impress your friends at your next BBQ or summer gathering, this Easy No-Bake Summer Chickpea Salad with Lemon Feta Dressing is your new go-to.
Ingredients
- 2 Cans of Chickpeas ( Rinsed and Drained )
- 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- 1 Pepper, chopped ( You can use Green, Red, Yellow or Orange or a mix )
- ¼ cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup of Olives
- ½ cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons of Chopped Fresh Parsley and Dill
- 1 Tablespoon of Fresh Mint or Basil
- 1 Avocado Sliced
- Dressing Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon of Lemon Zest
- 1 Teaspoon of Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon of Honey
- 1 Minced Garlic Clove
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Open two cans of chickpeas, rinse under cool water, and drain well. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help the dressing stick better.
- Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh parsley and any other fresh herbs you’re using like dill or mint.
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic and salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Let the flavors soak in for at least 10–15 minutes before serving.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to marinate. Serve cold as a main course, easy lunch, or excellent side dish. Top with sliced avocado.
Notes
-
Dry your chickpeas well.
After rinsing, pat chickpeas dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the dressing cling better and prevents a watery salad. -
Use fresh herbs generously.
Fresh parsley, dill, or mint adds bright, clean flavor. Don’t skip them—they elevate the salad from basic to restaurant-quality. -
Let it marinate.
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the chickpeas time to soak up the zesty dressing. -
Customize your add-ins.
Try adding chopped artichoke hearts, avocado, or even white beans for extra texture, creaminess, and nutritional power. -
Balance the acidity.
If your lemon feta dressing tastes too tart, add an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup to round out the flavors naturally. -
Make it ahead.
This salad gets better over time, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or prepping the night before a party. -
Use a sharp knife.
Crisp veggies like cucumber and bell pepper can bruise easily. A clean, sharp knife helps preserve their texture and presentation. -
Store properly.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. -
Serve it creatively.
Enjoy over leafy greens, stuff it into a pita pocket, or serve alongside grilled chicken breast or warm pita breadfor a complete meal. -
Double the recipe.
Hosting a summer BBQ or need a quick side for the week? This salad scales easily—just use a large mixing bowland double the ingredients!
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ Cup
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 177.1 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.4 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 5.6 mg
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