This Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy herb vinaigrette, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
Use a whisk to ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the vinegar.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth vinaigrette.
Whisking while adding the oil helps emulsify the vinaigrette, giving it a creamy texture.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves.
Ensure the chickpeas are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the chickpeas or squishing the tomatoes.
Season the salad with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Taste the salad before adding salt, as the feta cheese may already provide enough saltiness.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.
Add the feta cheese at the end to maintain its texture and appearance.
Serve the salad immediately at room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste.