Fresh Salad with Chickpeas and Quick Pesto

This vibrant and nutritious salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a homemade quick pesto sauce that bursts with flavor. The medley of crisp carrots, spicy radishes, and refreshing cucumbers is perfectly complemented by juicy tomatoes and sweet red onions, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Feta cheese adds a creamy component, while olives introduce a savory, briny note. This salad is a vegetarian, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a picnic spread. The quick pesto, made from fresh basil, cheese, and almonds, ties everything together with its aromatic and slightly nutty essence. Quick to prepare but bursting with flavor, it's perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner. The versatility of this salad allows for endless variations, accommodating different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as it is or customize it to your liking, it's sure to be a hit. Enjoy its simplicity or elevate it with a balsamic glaze drizzle for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

3 medium carrots
100 g radishes
250 g tomatoes
4 small cucumbers
1 small red onion
100 g olives
100 g iceberg lettuce leaves
200 g canned chickpeas (drained)
70 g feta cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Balsamic glaze (optional)

Pesto Sauce (or use a ready-made pesto):

2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
2 cloves of garlic
20 g grated parmesan
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 handful roasted almonds
80-100 ml extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the carrots, radishes, and cucumbers into thin rounds. Cut tomatoes and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion into half rings.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, place all the vegetables, olives, and chickpeas. Slightly crumble the feta cheese with your fingers and add it to the vegetables.
Make the Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine all the pesto ingredients except for the olive oil. Pulse until finely chopped.
Blend Pesto: With the blender running, slowly add the olive oil and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add more olive oil if necessary to reach your desired sauce thickness.
Assemble the Salad: If you are preparing the salad for a picnic or later consumption, store the salad ingredients in a large container and the pesto in a separate small container.
Final Touches: Just before serving, mix the salad with 2-3 tablespoons of pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Presentation: For an impressive presentation, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad for an optional touch of sweetness.
Mix and Serve: Toss the ingredients gently to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
Taste Adjustments: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring a balanced combination of flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad fresh, letting the vibrant colors and delightful aromas make it the star of the meal.

Tips

Substitutions: Substitute feta with goat cheese or vegan cheese for different dietary preferences.
Add-ons: Enhance the salad with roasted seeds or nuts for added texture.
Storage: Store leftover salad and pesto separately to maintain freshness.

Nutritions

Approximate Per Serving:
Calories: 250
Protein: 8g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace feta with tofu and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for the pesto.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with whole wheat pita bread.
Garnish with microgreens or fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.

Best Places

Café Gratitude - Known for its plant-based and organic menu. Location: 639 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
Le Pain Quotidien - Offers fresh, simple dishes with a European touch. Location: 52 Rue de Châteaudun, Paris, France.
The Veggie Table - A cozy spot offering vegan and healthy dishes. Location: Schäferstraße 4, Berlin, Germany.
Wild Food Café - Celebrates local and fresh ingredients in creative dishes. Location: 14 Neal's Yard, London, UK.
Café Flora - A vegetarian café with a variety of nutritious options. Location: 2901 E Madison St, Seattle, USA.
Avocado Café - Specializes in plant-based dishes with vibrant flavors. Location: Brühlsche Terrasse 1, Dresden, Germany.
Café Paradiso - Known for creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Location: 16 Lancaster Quay, Cork, Ireland.
Suncafé Organic - An all-organic café serving wholesome meals. Location: 10820 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, USA.
Greens Restaurant - Offers organic and refined vegan dishes. Location: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, USA.
La Esquina Vegetal - A delightful vegan café with a focus on fresh ingredients. Location: Rua Fernandes Tomás 764, Porto, Portugal.