Print

Italian Chickpea Salad Recipe

5 from 127 reviews

This Italian Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining protein-rich chickpeas with savory provolone cheese, spicy salami, briny olives, and tangy pickled peppers. Tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and garlic dressing, it makes a perfect make-ahead salad for lunches, picnics, or easy dinners, served chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 4 ounces salami, cut into small cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup medium black olives, cut in half
  • 3/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
  • 3/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
  • 1/3 cup slivered red onion

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 plump garlic clove, pressed or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, cubed provolone cheese, cubed salami, halved black olives, chopped roasted red bell pepper, chopped pepperoncini, and slivered red onion. Gently mix to combine all the components evenly.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, pressed or minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
  3. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or oregano if desired.
  4. Serve or Store: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. If not serving immediately, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead or the day before to enhance the flavors.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the salami or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
  • Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Adjust the amount of pepperoncini according to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve as a hearty side dish or a light main course with crusty bread.

Keywords: Italian Chickpea Salad, Chickpeas, Provolone Salad, No Cook Salad, Easy Italian Salad, Healthy Salad, Cold Salad