Jessica Smith hunts down a side dish that will keep fresh all throughout a hot Memorial Day weekend afternoon.
Text And Photo By Jessica Smith
It strikes me as ironic that so many favored sides to serve at American cook-outs are heavy in creamy sauces and ill-equipped to hold up on a hot, sunny afternoon by the grill. Mayo-based potato and pasta salads, and even deviled eggs (my personal favorite) are delicious but fade in the heat and take on an unappealing tint the longer they sit out. As much as I love those classics, I am always on the hunt for a side dish that will hold up better on a summer afternoon. 
Enter this easy chickpea salad. The fresh ingredients give this beautiful side bright color and flavor. Healthy, light, and possessing the ability to taste even better after a day of sitting in the refrigerator, this will be a welcome addition to the summer cook-out spread.
PrintLemon Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Peppers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This simple salad with chickpeas, roasted peppers, fresh herbs, and lemon is easy to prepare and bursting with bright summer flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large red peppers
- 1/2 a lemon, halved lengthwise
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (5g) loosely-packed fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup (10 g) loosely-packed fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cups (450g) cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained if using canned)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Turn on the oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut red peppers in half and discard core and seeds. Place red pepper halves, skin-side up, on the baking sheet and cook under the broiler until the skins blister and blacken, 5-10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and gently fold and seal the foil around the peppers, allowing them to steam while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Cut the lemon into very thin slices (the thinner the better, as these will be added directly to the salad), discarding the seeds. Combine the lemon slices, olive oil, garlic, parsley and basil in a large bowl and stir well.
- Remove the blackened skins from the red peppers and cut the peppers into long, thin slices. Add the peppers and chickpeas to the dressing and toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
I’ve not yet made this but it is the side dish I have chosen to take this weekend. I typically search for ideas and then put my personal twist on it. Love it!
I agree with you on summer salads, completely. This one looks delicious.
Such a refreshing salad…I agree there are so many cream or mayo sides featured during the Summer months, but they do not hold up as well :)