Chickpea Chicken Salad

This Chickpea Chicken Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and briny olives, all tossed in a creamy hummus-based dressing, it’s a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or healthy dinners, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor. It’s a balanced combination of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a filling yet light meal. With no mayo or dairy, it’s also naturally gluten-free and can be made low-carb depending on how you serve it. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly and stays fresh for several days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ¼ cups cooked and chopped chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

• 1/4 cup chopped Manzanilla olives

• 1 red bell pepper (about 3/4 cup), chopped

• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/2 cup hummus

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/3 cup slivered toasted almonds

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, Manzanilla olives, chopped bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Toss to evenly mix the ingredients.

2. Add the hummus, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, lime juice, and dried oregano to the bowl. Toss again until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

3. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the top as a garnish.

4. Serve immediately on its own, in pita bread, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: None
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and double the chickpeas or add tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

• Cheesy: Sprinkle in some crumbled feta or shaved parmesan for added richness.

• Crunchy: Add chopped celery, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch.

• Different herbs: Swap cilantro with parsley, dill, or basil for a flavor change.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Reheating:
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead meal. The flavors even improve after a few hours in the fridge.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well for up to a week and makes a great grab-and-go lunch option.

What can I substitute for hummus?

You can use Greek yogurt, tahini, or even mashed avocado for a different creamy base.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken can be used in place of cooked chicken breast for extra convenience.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply leave out the chicken or substitute with baked tofu or tempeh for a vegan-friendly version.

What type of hummus works best?

Plain hummus works great, but flavored varieties like garlic or roasted red pepper can add extra depth.

Are the olives necessary?

They add a salty, tangy flavor, but you can omit or replace them with capers or chopped pickles if preferred.

What can I serve this salad with?

Serve it in pita bread, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens as a hearty salad bowl.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the chickpeas and vegetables will change once thawed.

How do I toast the almonds?

Add slivered almonds to a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Chicken Salad is a quick, flavorful, and healthy recipe perfect for busy weekdays or meal prepping. It delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. Whether served in a sandwich, wrap, or lettuce cup, it’s a delicious and nourishing option you’ll turn to again and again.