Chopped Chickpea Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This Chopped Chickpea Salad with Italian Vinaigrette was inspired by a visit to our favorite local Italian Gourmet Imports shop. So you know it’s good!

Dom, Luc and I took a drive this past Saturday to do a little shopping. In the midst of our travels it dawned on us that we were feeling peckish. So Dom, in usual Dom fashion, “knew just the place!” Our favorite little Italian food shop, Vince’s Gourmet Imports, which makes the most amazing chicken riggie subs, among other Italian specialties.

While pondering lunch, we shopped a bit and relished in the cozy atmosphere. With scents of freshly grated Romano cheese, fried meatballs, fresh garlic and Italian bread keeping us company, we could have hung there all day.

After staring too long at the menu – we finally made decisions –  we each ordered the chicken riggie sub with a side salad. Luc had the pasta, while Dom and I each ordered the chopped chickpea.

This gorgeous salad is loaded with:

• chickpeas
• bell peppers
• zucchini
• red onion
• celery
• fresh herbs
• baby arugula
• and a tangy vinaigrette

I took a mental note of each ingredient, as this salad’s a keeper! Colorful, crunchy, and loaded with flavor – we’re talking perfect springtime bite.

As wonderful as the variety of veg, it’s the dressing that pulls it together. Composed of flavors I grew up with…olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper – so wonderfully nostalgic – so perfectly Mom’s. I had a moment.

Whether you’re pairing it with charcuterie, panini, meatballs, or pizza, this quick and simple Italian inspired chopped salad is one that you’ll want in your repertoire.

Buon Appetito!

CHOPPED SALADS FROM AROUND THE WEB:

Winter Chopped Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Blood Orange Vinaigrette from How Sweet It Is

Sesame Ginger Crunch Salad with Shredded Brussels Sprouts from Earth & Oven

Honey Citrus Chicken, Blood Orange, and Avocado Chopped Salad from Spices in My DNA

Chopped Chickpea Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

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• Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
• Category: Salad

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Description

This Chopped Chickpea Salad with Italian Vinaigrette was inspired by a visit to our favorite local Italian Gourmet Imports shop. So you know it’s good!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Chickpea Salad
• 2 (15 ounce) cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 – 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, thinly sliced (or flat-leaf parsley, chopped)
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• A couple handfuls of baby arugula
• Italian Vinaigrette
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 plump garlic clove, minced
• 1 – 2 tsp. dried oregano, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Romano cheese, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, bell peppers, celery, basil, zucchini, and arugula.
2. In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and grated cheese.
3. Toss vinaigrette with the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle with more Romano.
6. Serve.

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Notes