🥗 Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

A vibrant, refreshing salad bursting with earthy beets, creamy feta, tangy lemon, and hearty chickpeas—quick, colorful, and perfectly satisfying!

Prep Time: 10 minutes · Cook Time: 0 minutes (except cooking beets)
Total Time: ~15 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian · Gluten‑Free · High‑Protein · W-W Adaptable

📚 Table of Contents

  1. Why You’ll Love This Salad

  2. Ingredients You’ll Need

  3. Quick Recipe Overview

  4. Step-by-Step Instructions

  5. Serving & Make‑Ahead Tips

  6. W-W Friendly Swaps & Enhancements

  7. Nutrition & W-W Points

  8. Tips & FAQs

  9. Kristy’s Note

  10. More W-W Friendly Salads

  11. Cook, Snap & Share!

🌟 1. Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy feta, tender beets, and hearty chickpeas combine with a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a dish that’s satisfying and perfect as a side or light meal. It’s easy to adapt, ideal for meal prepping, and stays fresh through the week!

🛒 2. Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

  • 2 medium cooked beets, peeled & diced

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • Dressing:

    • ÂĽ cup olive oil

    • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

    • 1 garlic clove, minced

    • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

🥄 3. Quick Recipe Overview

  1. Toss chickpeas and beets in a large bowl.

  2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  3. Pour dressing over salad, toss to combine.

  4. Gently mix in feta cheese.

  5. Garnish with parsley—serve immediately or chill.

🍴 4. Step‑by‑Step Instructions

  1. Combine Base Ingredients
    Place chickpeas and diced beets into a large mixing bowl.

  2. Whisk Together Vinaigrette
    In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

  3. Dress the Salad
    Drizzle the vinaigrette over the chickpeas and beets. Toss gently to coat each bite.

  4. Add the Feta
    Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, mixing gently to preserve the texture.

  5. Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Enjoy immediately or chill to develop flavors further.

🥡 5. Serving & Make‑Ahead Tips

  • Serve With: Grilled chicken, fish, or warm pita bread.

  • Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days—toss before serving if dressing settles.

  • Bulk Prep Tip: Dress only portion you’ll eat; keep extra dressing separate to maintain freshness.

🥗 6. W-W-Friendly Swaps & Enhancements

  • Oil-Free Vinaigrette: Use 2 Tbsp olive oil + 2 Tbsp water for fewer points.

  • Add Greens: Stir into baby spinach or arugula to boost fiber.

  • Extra Protein: Add diced chicken or grilled tofu for a more filling meal.

  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts—extra crunch and nutrients!

📊 7. Nutrition & W-W Points

Per Serving (ÂĽ recipe):

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: 12g · Carbs: 25g · Fat: 20g

  • W-W SmartPoints: ~7–8 (lower with reduced oil or chive oil swap)

âť“ 8. Tips & FAQs

Q: Do I need to cook the beets?
A: Yes—roast or boil fresh beets ahead of time, or use pre-cooked varieties for convenience.

Q: Can I use balsamic instead of lemon?
A: Absolutely! Substitute lemon juice with balsamic for a sweeter, richer profile.

Q: How do I cut down on oil?
A: Replace half the oil with water or vegetable broth to lighten the dressing.

📝 9. Kristy’s Note

This salad is one of my go-to side dishes—so full of color and flavor that it brightens up any meal. I love how easy it is to prep and how everyone enjoys it, even my pickiest eaters. Perfect for keeping your W-W journey fresh and fabulous!

🌿 10. More W-W Friendly Salads

  • Greek Salad with Light Lemon Oregano Dressing

  • Warm Quinoa & Sweet Potato Bowls

  • Black Bean, Corn & Avocado Salad

  • Lemony Cucumber Dill Salad

📸 11. Cook, Snap & Share!

Made this Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad? Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram—I’d love to see your colorful bowls! Share your favorite add-ons or W-W hacks in the comments. Together, we’re building a deliciously healthy community. 💚

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