This easy, healthy, and delicious Chickpea and Feta Salad is another one of those winning weight watchers recipes from an old Weight Watcher’s Weekly.
Do you remember the WeightWatchers Weekly? Those little pamphlets you received at your weekly meetings/workshops? Filled with great tips and tricks, they also had some great recipes!
Old WeightWatchers Weekly Pamphlets
But I digress.
Made with canned chickpeas, this salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber. It makes a great satisfying Mediterranean inspired lunch on its own or on a bed of greens. It would be a nice change of pace from the typical potato salad or macaroni salad at your next summer potluck or barbecue too.
I love salad for lunch, especially during the warmer months, and this Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta has been a hit since the first time I made it. It’s a great tasty way to fill yourself up with Weight Watchers power foods without weighing you down.
I love chickpeas (AKA garbanzo beans), feta cheese, and all foods Mediterranean, so this is a definite keeper for me. The day I made it I had it for lunch and again at dinner since it was that good!
Weight Watchers Chickpea & Feta Salad
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Salad?
According to my calculations, each 1/2 cup serving has about 163 calories and 3 Points. To see your WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here! (You must be logged in to WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
WW Chickpea & Feta Salad Recipe Ingredients
Canned chickpeas – also known as garbanzo beans, have a firm texture and a nutty, mild flavor. High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are the nutritious foundation of this Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Minced garlic – provides a robust, slightly warm and pungent aromatic flavor. Minced garlic from a jar or roasted granulated garlic would be good alternatives.
Scallions – also called green onions add a mild onion flavor, pop of color and light crisp texture to this salad. Finely chopped red onion, shallot or chives could be used instead.
Sweet red bell pepper – in addition to adding vibrant color, it provides a crisp texture and a sweet, slightly fruity flavor. I used a combination of baby red and orange bell peppers, which worked well. Jarred roasted red bell peppers would also work well.
English cucumber – provides a refreshing crunch and a mild, cool flavor. I used baby cucumbers. If you opt to substitute regular cucumber, be sure to peel and seed it to reduce bitterness.
Fresh parsley – provides herby flavor, and a fresh, green color. Either curly or flat leaf Italian parsley will work. Dill, mint, basil and or cilantro would also be delicious.
Black or green olives – add a briny, savory flavor slightly chewy texture.
Feta Cheese – adds a tangy, creamy flavor and a crumbly texture that enhances the overall taste and mouthfeel of the salad. Its distinct saltiness and richness provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients. Good substitutions for the feta would be soft fresh goat cheese or shredded Parmesan.
Fresh lemon juice – combined with olive oil forms the simple bright and tangy dressing for this salad. Red wine vinegar would be a good alternative.
Olive Oil – a great source of healthy fats it combines perfectly with fresh lemon juice to form the simple dressing for this salad.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Lemon zest (optional) – The zest provides a more intense lemon flavor without the acidity of lemon juice, giving the dish an extra layer of brightness.
How to Make WW Chickpea Feta Salad Step by Step
Chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, minced parsley, chopped olives, sliced scallions, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper
Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, place the chickpeas, garlic, scallions, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, olives, and feta cheese. Gently stir to combine.
Add everything to a bowl and stir well to combine.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil and then pour over the chickpea mixture. Stir until well coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to give the flavors a chance to meld.
Recipe Notes
Tasty additions to this salad worth considering have included chopped tomato, celery, radish, jicama, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped pepperoncini, capers, and chopped artichoke hearts.
Make this a heartier main course salad with the addition of chopped grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, cubed grilled tofu, canned tuna, canned salmon, or chopped hard boiled eggs.
Chickpea Salad Stuffed Pita Sandwich
Serving Suggestions
Perfect as a refreshing and light main course or side dish on its own, this versatile salad can be used so many ways:
In a Wrap or Pita Bread: Use the salad as a filling for whole-grain wraps or tortillas or pita bread, adding extra veggies or a spread if desired.
Over Greens: Place the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a more substantial meal.
As a Side with Grilled Proteins: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced and protein-packed meal.
In a Grain Bowl: Add the salad to a bowl with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a hearty and nutritious grain bowl.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables (zucchini, peppers, eggplant, onions) for a delicious and colorful plate.
In Stuffed Avocados: Spoon the salad into halved avocados for a creamy and satisfying option.
As a Topping: Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
On Toast: Spread the salad on whole-grain toast or bruschetta for a quick and tasty open-faced sandwich.
How Long Can This Chickpea Salad Be Stored?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator for several days.
If you like this easy chopped chickpea & feta salad, be sure to check out my other Weight Watchers friendly salad recipes including: Grilled Chicken Greek Salad, WW Artichoke 2-Bean Salad, Trisha Yearwood’s Orzo Salad Made Lighter, Greek Turkey Feta Mason Jar Salad and Skinny Chopped Greek Salad
If you’ve made this Mediterranean Salad with Chickpeas and Feta Cheese, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Weight Watchers Chickpea & Feta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
WW Points: 3 Click here to see your WW Points for this recipe and/or track it in the WW app. (Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
4 *PointsPlus (Old plan)
I prefer this salad at room temperature or just slightly chilled.
Tasty additions to this salad worth considering have included chopped tomato, celery, radish, jicama, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped pepperoncini, capers, and chopped artichoke hearts.
Make this a heartier main course salad with the addition of chopped grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, cubed grilled tofu, canned tuna, canned salmon, or chopped hard boiled eggs.
Nutrition
A note about WW Points
If you’re following Weight Watchers, all the recipes here on Simple Nourished Living have been updated for the new Weight Watchers program, with points displayed in the recipe card. The WW link in the recipe card takes you to the Weight Watchers App where you can edit it using the WW recipe builder or add it to your day (U.S. only, you must be logged into your WW account on a mobile device, such as smartphone or tablet).
Healthy & Delicious Chickpea Salad Videos
This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad from Dani of Clean & Delicious is a light, bright, and beautiful salad that is easy to make. Chickpeas are combined with cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, olives, avocado, feta, and fresh herbs for a salad that is hearty enough for a lovely lunch and also perfect for a dinner side dish.
Another yummy variation of Mediterranean Chickpea Salad from the Stay At Home Chef confirming that there is no one way to make this delicious salad. Let your preferences and available ingredients be your guide!
More Winning Weight Watchers Salad Recipes:
Skinny Mediterranean Salad (SkinnyKitchen)
Mediterranean Tuna Salad (LaaLoosh)
Greek Chickpea Salad (DashingDish)
Greek Chicken Kebab Salad (SkinnyTaste)
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad (EmilyBites)
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (SkinnyTaste)
Search For More WW Friendly Easy Salad Recipes
07/24 Updated with new content, photos & videos
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