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Easy Flavor-Packed No-Shop Summer Dinner

easy flavor-packed no-shop summer dinner - featured image
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A quick, fresh, and satisfying summer dinner made from pantry staples and fresh ingredients, perfect for hot days and no grocery trips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) smoked paprika (optional)
  • A pinch red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas well to avoid any canned taste. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Chop the parsley and mint leaves finely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly, avoiding mashing the chickpeas.
  4. If using, crumble the feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
  5. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove canned taste and excess sodium. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Chop herbs finely for best flavor distribution. Toast nuts just before serving to keep crunch. Adjust spices to taste. Let salad rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors but can be served immediately if in a rush. Avoid over-tossing to keep chickpeas firm.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer dinner, no-shop recipe, chickpea salad, quick meal, easy dinner, plant-based protein, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-flavor-packed-no-shop-summer-dinner-recipes-for-quick-meals/