Hey y'all! If you're searching for a bright, refreshing dish that's packed with flavor and comes together in just a few minutes, this Caprese Chickpea Salad is about to be your new favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and hearty chickpeas for a satisfying twist on the classic Caprese. Perfect for picnics, work lunches, or light summer dinners—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Caprese Chickpea Salad
- It's ready in just 15 minutes—no need to turn on the stove!
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber thanks to chickpeas.
- Fresh basil and tomatoes make every bite taste like summer.
- Customizable for meal prep, parties, or healthy weeknight dinners.
- Gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for most diets.
Caprese Chickpea Salad Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Caprese Chickpea Salad: Step-by-Step Directions
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls. Gently toss to mix.
2. Add Fresh Basil
Sprinkle the torn or sliced basil leaves over your salad mixture. This adds so much fresh, aromatic flavor.
3. Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.
4. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze & Serve
Transfer the Caprese Chickpea Salad to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top right before serving for a gorgeous, tangy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Caprese Chickpea Salad Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella. Learn how to pick the best fresh mozzarella at Bon Appétit's mozzarella guide.
- You can make your own balsamic glaze in minutes—here's a handy balsamic reduction tutorial.
- Letting the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Caprese Chickpea Salad Variations
- Grilled Veggie Version: Add grilled zucchini or eggplant slices for smoky depth.
- Caprese Chickpea Pasta Salad: Toss everything with cooked and cooled pasta for a more filling meal.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped pepperoncini for heat.
Equipment Needed for Caprese Chickpea Salad
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
How to Store Caprese Chickpea Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the freshest flavor, enjoy within 24-48 hours, as the basil and mozzarella are best when fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Caprese Chickpea Salad
- Serve with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for a satisfying lunch.
- Pair alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a more substantial meal.
- Enjoy as a standalone salad with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.
Caprese Chickpea Salad Pro Tips
- For crispier chickpeas, dry them thoroughly before using (see more about prepping chickpeas at Love & Lemons).
- Use mini mozzarella balls for the prettiest presentation and best texture in every bite.
- Don’t skip the balsamic glaze—it adds incredible sweetness and tang that brings the dish together!
Caprese Chickpea Salad FAQ
Can I make Caprese Chickpea Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the salad (except basil and balsamic glaze), cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add basil and glaze just before serving for best flavor and appearance.
Is Caprese Chickpea Salad vegan?
This salad is vegetarian, but not vegan due to the mozzarella. To make it vegan, use plant-based mozzarella or omit the cheese altogether.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak and cook dried chickpeas according to package instructions (you’ll need about 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas for this recipe).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
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2If using, add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
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3Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad ingredients.
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4Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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5Gently toss everything together until well mixed and evenly coated.
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6Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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