Chickpea Salad

With the 4th of July holiday and a long weekend just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share this easy and delicious chickpea salad recipe. Unfortunately, I had torn this from a food magazine long ago, and I cannot pass along the proper credit.

This chickpea salad is a healthy side dish to enjoy with seared fish, chicken Kabobs, or grilled lamb chops. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily prepare it in no time at all. Another perk is that it’s gluten free and protein rich.

Ingredients for Chickpea Salad

• 15 oz can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) rinsed and drained
• 2 T. chopped fresh basil
• 2 T. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• 2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil (I used basil infused olive oil)
• 1 small clove of garlic minced fine
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Combine rinsed and drained chickpeas, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and minced clove of garlic in a medium size bowl.
• Next, add the grated parmesan cheese and toss gently to blend all the ingredients thoroughly. Season the salad with salt and pepper.

Make ahead, the salad can be made up to four hours ahead of time and chilled in your refrigerator. Serves 2-4 persons

Make Use of What’s Left

Although this chickpea salad can be a light lunch along side a few bagel chips, I decided to add it to a pasta dish for another meal.

Broccoli & Shrimp with Chickpeas

• Cook 1 Ib. Pasta as directed on the package (gluten free or regular)
• 1 large floret of broccoli (chopped)
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 Tb. Butter
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat a frying pan with just the bottom covered in olive oil, when oil is hot, add the garlic and broccoli. Cook the broccoli thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Place ½ Package of frozen Jumbo Shrimp on a cookie sheet, brush lightly with olive oil and place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until cooked.
3. Add the shrimp and broccoli to the cooked pasta
4. Add the chickpea salad
5. Toss well and add cheese

I hope you enjoy the chickpeas as either a side dish to an entrée or as a light summer dinner. Either way, Bon Appetit!