MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - CHICKPEA, FETA CUCUMBER SALAD

 We wanted a salad to go with our meal tonight. This fit with our idea of wanting something a bit different than the usual mixed greens. I have no complaint about mixed greens, just wanted to vary things a bit.

The recipe came from 'Thyme and Joy' hosted by Valerie, and the original recipe can be found here. Valerie's bio: "I am a trained natural foods chef ready to help you with meal prep. On Thyme & Joy I share kitchen tips and recipes that use the air fryer, instant pot, slow cooker and more, to make healthy food fast." I have been enjoying looking through Valerie's recipes and will make more of them as time goes on.

Chickpea, Feta and Cucumber Salad 

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

8 ounces Feta Cheese

1/2 cup Red Onion, diced

1 piece English Cucumber, diced

1/2 cup olive or avocado oil

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon Lemon Zest

1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1/4 cup fresh herbs:

chopped basil, dill, mint 

(optional)

1 teaspoon dried oregano 

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried parsley 

1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

1/8 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Make the red wine dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl (or mason jar) and whisking until fully combined.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, fully removing as much moisture as possible, and pour them into the bowl with the dressing.

Add the diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta and fresh herbs, if using. Toss together until all ingredients are fully combined.

For best results chill covered in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. Enjoy!

We liked this a lot, very yummy.

We had no fresh herbs this time but will be sure to put them on the shopping list for the next, as we intend to make it again. Better still I am going to pop down to the garden center and buy seeds to grow them. We didn't miss them, I just like the idea of having fresh herbs.

There was a sweet red pepper in the fridge. I not only like how they taste, but I wanted to add a little more color.

Our sides were Jasmine rice and roasted chicken thighs. 

I sprinkled sesame seeds and then turmeric powder on top of the rice just to make it look less plain, a little white pepper too though it is hard to tell. You probably should see if you like the taste before you use the turmeric before trying it yourself. If anyone out there uses turmeric, I would enjoy knowing how you use it.  Always looking for ideas. 

Below is the full address to today's recipe, which I have added for those who prefer to copy and paste rather than use the link at the beginning.

https://thymeandjoy.com/chickpea-feta-cucumber-salad/

Thanks for dropping by, enjoy your day

and Bon Appetit!