Lemon Pepper Chickpea Salad – Zesty, Protein-Packed, and Meal Prep Friendly
Samantha
This lemon pepper chickpea salad is fresh, bold, and ready in just minutes. It’s loaded with plant-based protein, zesty lemon juice, crunchy veggies, and savory black pepper. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this salad is perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or clean eating goals. Each bite is vibrant, satisfying, and packed with nutrients—ideal for anyone craving a quick, wholesome dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Meal Prep, Salad
Cuisine American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 230 kcal
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- ¼ red onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp coarse black pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Prep the Veggies – Chop the celery and red onion. Zest and juice the lemon.
Mash the Chickpeas (Optional) – If you like a creamier texture, mash half the chickpeas with a fork.
Mix It All Up – In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, veggies, lemon juice, olive oil, zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
Taste and Adjust – Add more lemon or pepper to suit your preference.
Chill or Serve Immediately – This salad tastes best after 30 minutes in the fridge, but it’s great right away too.
Secret Tips for the Perfect Lemon Pepper Chickpea Salad
1. Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated zest will give your lemon pepper chickpea salad a bright, zesty punch that bottled juice can’t match. It’s the key to a refreshing, citrus-forward flavor.
2. Mash some chickpeas for texture: For a creamier, protein-packed salad, mash about a quarter of the chickpeas before mixing. This helps bind the dressing to the ingredients, giving every bite that lemon pepper goodness.
3. Let it chill before serving: Allow your chickpea salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the lemon, pepper, and herbs infuse into the chickpeas, creating a more vibrant flavor.
4. Add crunch for balance: Toss in chopped celery, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a fresh, crisp texture. This contrast pairs perfectly with the hearty chickpeas and tangy lemon pepper dressing.
5. Keep it meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Since chickpeas hold up well, this salad stays fresh and flavorful, making it an easy grab-and-go lunch or side dish.Keyword chickpea salad with lemon, easy lemon pepper salad, gluten free chickpea salad, healthy chickpea recipes, high protein vegan salad, lemon pepper chickpea salad, meal prep chickpea salad, plant based lunch ideas, vegan meal prep salad, vegan protein lunch
