Name: Chickpea Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1¼ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (or rotisserie chicken); 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped; ¼ cup Manzanilla olives, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about ¾ cup); ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup green onions, chopped; ½ cup hummus; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ⅓ cup slivered toasted almonds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Chickpea Chicken Salad is a fresh and satisfying spin on classic chicken salad. Packed with protein from both chicken and chickpeas, this Mediterranean-inspired mix features crunchy veggies, briny olives, and a creamy hummus dressing that ties it all together. It’s quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavor, and perfect for stuffing into pita bread, wrapping in tortillas, or piling onto crisp lettuce for a lighter meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Chickpeas add heartiness and texture, while hummus replaces mayo with a creamy, nutrient-rich dressing. The olives bring a salty tang, the lime juice adds brightness, and the fresh herbs and veggies provide crunch and color. It’s gluten-free, easy to customize, and makes a great prep-ahead lunch or light dinner. Best of all, it takes just 10 minutes to throw together.

Chickpea Chicken Salad

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1¼ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (or rotisserie chicken)
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
¼ cup Manzanilla olives, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (about ¾ cup)
⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped
½ cup hummus
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
⅓ cup slivered toasted almonds (optional)

directions

Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, Manzanilla olives, red bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Toss to mix evenly.
Make the Dressing:
Add the hummus, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and dried oregano directly to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Finish:
Sprinkle slivered toasted almonds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, if using.
Serve:
Enjoy in pita bread, wraps, or over a bed of lettuce for a refreshing low-carb option.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: ~310 kcal

Variations

Vegan Version: Replace chicken with extra chickpeas or cooked lentils.
No Hummus? Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a creamy base alternative.
Different Herbs: Swap cilantro for parsley or dill for a new flavor twist.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese makes a tasty addition.
Extra Crunch: Mix in diced cucumber or shredded carrots.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just wait to add the almonds until serving for the best crunch.

Is hummus a good substitute for mayo?

Absolutely. It’s creamy, flavorful, and adds extra protein and fiber.

What kind of hummus works best?

Plain hummus is ideal, but feel free to use flavored varieties like roasted garlic or lemon herb for extra flavor.

Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, just drain it well and flake it before mixing.

What are Manzanilla olives?

They’re small green olives, often stuffed or brined, with a slightly briny and nutty flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free bread or wraps if needed.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Serve over lettuce or store dressing separately if preparing far in advance.

Can I add grains like quinoa or bulgur?

Yes, mixing in a cooked grain makes it even more filling and meal-worthy.

Is this salad good for kids?

Yes, it’s mild, customizable, and great in wraps or sandwiches.

Can I freeze Chickpea Chicken Salad?

No, it’s best fresh. Freezing will alter the texture of the vegetables and dressing.

Conclusion

Chickpea Chicken Salad is a fast, fresh, and filling meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 10 minutes. With a creamy hummus dressing, plenty of crunch, and a punch of protein, it’s the kind of salad that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it in wraps, over greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl—it’s a feel-good dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Jessica