This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad only takes 10 minutes to make and it's packed with protein and nutrients! Whether you serve it as a sandwich, salad, part of a grain bowl, or eat it plain with a spoon, these chickpeas are completely customize-able and perfect for lunch on the go, snack time, potlucks or an easy weeknight dinner!Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Make the Tahini Mayonnaise: In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Make the Smashed Chickpea Salad: Place chickpeas in a medium sized mixing bowl and use a potato masher or fork to lightly mash the chickpeas (gently mash to keep some of the chickpea texture). Add in 3 tablespoons of the tahini mayonnaise, za’atar, cumin, salt, garlic powder, sundried tomatoes, feta, scallions and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. If a creamier salad is desired, add more tahini mayonnaise a tablespoon at a time*.
For the Sandwich: Spoon a generous amount of the chickpea salad onto two slices of (toasted) bread. Top with desired garnishes. Slather a bit of the tahini mayonnaise on the remaining two slices of bread and place (mayo side down) on top of garnishes to complete sandwich. Enjoy!
Notes
The amount of tahini mayonnaise used in the salad will depend on personal preference. Start with 3 tablespoons and taste the mixture. If a creamier texture is desired, add more tahini mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. I personally used 4 tablespoons.
The tahini mayonnaise will keep, stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for 5 days.
The smashed chickpea salad will keep, stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Za’atar is a traditional eastern Mediterranean spice blend and can be found in the spice isle of most major grocery store. I have also included how to make the blend yourself below.
Homemade Za’atar Recipe:1 TBS Dried Thyme1 TBS Sumac1 TBS Ground Cumin1 TBS Sesame Seeds1 tsp Dried Oregano½ tsp Kosher Salt(Stir everything together and store in an airtight container at room temperature)Nutrition information is an approximation based upon 2 servings. Information is for the chickpea salad and mayonnaise only.