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    Home > Recipes > Side Dishes

    Marinated Chickpeas with Bell Peppers and Cucumbers

    Published: May 12, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 4 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    marinated chickpeas
    marinated chickpeas
    marinated chickpeas

    chickpeas in a white bowl

    If you’re looking for a side dish that can be made ahead and is great served at room temperature, marinated chickpeas are just the thing! Combined with colorful vegetables and a simple dressing, this dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. 

    Summer is here. Well….summer-ish. Here in Kansas City, we’ve still got that warm days / cool nights thing happening that makes for great meals outdoors. We’ll surely be spending the next couple of months in the backyard while the kids play endlessly with this epic-ly fun monstrosity that Frank purchased back in February when we were dreaming of sun and warm weather. And we’ll need plenty of low maintenance dishes that can feed a crowd. 

    This side dish is about to be my go-to recipe of the summer. It can be made ahead, has tons of flavor, goes with just about any cuisine, and is friendly to nearly every allergy. It really might be the ideal summer dish! And it’s delicious too. Here’s everything you need to know...

    chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumbers and onions in a clear glass bowl

    Ingredients

    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - The flavor of the olive oil really shines, so it’s worth using a decent extra virgin olive oil.  Other neutral oils like avocado and grapeseed will certainly work, but don’t add the same pleasant savory flavor.
    • Red Wine Vinegar - Any standard red wine vinegar works. You can certainly experiment with different vinegars to change up the flavor. White wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, and even apple cider vinegar would be delicious. 
    • Dijon Mustard - Adds tart flavor.
    • Honey - Use your sweetener of choice if you prefer. Maple syrup, agave, or Stevia work. 
    • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt and Black Pepper - These pantry staples build flavor as the chickpeas marinate. Feel free to mix up the spices and to adjust the salt and pepper to taste. 
    • Garbanzo Beans / Chickpeas - I just use regular canned chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well. I’m pretty partial to Bush’s. I think they have the best texture and a mild flavor. If using low-sodium or no-salt-added chickpeas, keep in mind that you may want to add some additional salt before serving. 
    • Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Red Onion - Fresh vegetables for color and texture! Chop them fairly small so they are about the same size as the chickpeas. See below for some other ideas for vegetables that would work. 
    • Fresh Basil - Stirring in some fresh chopped basil really makes this dish feel special and taste fresh. Basil is great but most any other fresh herb would work.

    chickpeas and vegetables in a white bowl

    How Long will Marinated Chickpeas Last?

    Marinated Chickpeas can be refrigerated for up to three days. Because chickpeas are hold up well, they may be fine for even longer than three days, but may start to soften and lose their shape. 

    Possible Variations

    • Add / Change Vegetables - Try this salad with steamed and chopped green beans, tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, or sweet peas.
    • Add more fresh herbs  - Stir in your favorite fresh herbs for a pop of summer flavor. Basil is my go-to, but parsley, cilantro, chives, or green onions / scallions would be great. 
    • Add cheese - This is great with crumbled feta or cubed cheddar folded in. Add the cheese at the same time as the basil - just before serving. 

    adding dressing to chickpeas and vegetables in a clear glass bowl

    More Make-Ahead Side Dishes

    • Creamy and Tangy Coleslaw
    • Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Pasta Salad Skewers
    • Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing
    • Caprese White Bean Salad
    • Sesame Noodle Salad
    • Panzanella Salad Skewers

    Favorite Tools

    • 6-inch Global Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls

    chickpeas and vegetables in a white bowl with a spoon

    📖 Recipe

    chickpeas and vegetables in a white bowl
    Print Recipe
    4.34 from 3 votes

    Marinated Chickpeas with Bell Peppers and Cucumbers

    If you’re looking for a side dish that can be made ahead and is great served at room temperature, marinated chickpeas are just the thing! Combined with colorful vegetables and a simple dressing, this dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
    To adjust the servings in this recipe, click on the number next to servings.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Keyword: bbq side dish, easy salad, gluten free, party and entertaining, potluck recipe, vegetarian
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 75kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $6.00

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 2 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • 1 teaspoon Honey
    • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon Paprika
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 2 14 oz cans Garbanzo Beans / Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup finely diced Red Bell Peppers
    • 1 cup finely diced Cucumbers (preferably a seedless variety like Persian cucumbers)
    • ¼ cup finely diced Red Onion
    • Fresh Basil, chopped (optional)

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Stir in beans, bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions until evenly combined.
    • Refrigerate for at least an hour and up to 3 days (the flavors will continue to develop the longer the chickpeas marinate).
    • Stir in basil right before serving. Serve chilled or room temperature.

    Notes

    Salt - The amount of salt needed will vary depending on whether you’re using regular or low-sodium chickpeas. Taste the marinated chickpeas just before serving and stir in a bit more salt as needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 662IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    *This post contains affiliate links*

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharon Eddy

      May 27, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Thank you, thank you for putting nutritional content on your recipes!!!!!

      Reply
      • Jess Smith

        June 26, 2021 at 8:45 pm

        Our pleasure! It takes some time, but I love having the information right at my fingertips too!

        Reply
    2. M

      October 11, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      Brought to Thanksgiving dinner as a vegetarian option and all the non Vegetarians enjoyed this

      Reply
      • Jess Smith

        October 13, 2021 at 8:47 am

        So glad to hear this!

        Reply

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