Easy Fava Bean Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs

Name: Fava Bean Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt); ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste (optional); 1 can (14 ounce) fava beans, rinsed and drained ((broad beans)); 1 can (14 ounce) chickpeas, rinsed and drained ((garbanzo beans)); ½ English cucumber, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 small shallot, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, thinly sliced ((scallions)); ½ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, thinly sliced; ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, loosely packed, chopped; 1 pinch red pepper flakes ((optional))

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This Fava Bean Chickpea Salad is a delicious and vibrant dish that you can whip up in just 10 minutes! Packed with bright, zesty flavors and a variety of textures, it’s perfect for lunch, as a light main course, or a side dish for dinner. The combination of chickpeas and fava beans brings a nutty, earthy element, while the fresh herbs and tangy lemon vinaigrette add a refreshing flavor.

Fava bean chickpea salad in two white bowls with beige napkin and small bowl of red pepper flakes.

I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of hearty bean salads, and this fava bean chickpea salad is one of my go-tos! I love that it’s so easy to throw together and has such a bright, fresh flavor that always leaves me feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those cans of beans that I always seem to have stocked in my pantry.

This easy bean salad has become a regular in my meal prep rotation, and I love how versatile it is. Sometimes I swap out the chickpeas for black beans, or I’ll throw in some diced avocado for extra creaminess. It’s a dish that’s easy to adapt based on what’s in the fridge, and it never disappoints!

Whether I’m making it for a quick weekday lunch or serving it as a side at family dinners, it’s always a hit. The fresh herbs and lemony dressing give it a pop of brightness, while the combination of fava beans and chickpeas creates a hearty, filling base. And let’s not forget about the crunch from the cucumbers and bell peppers—so good!

If you like bean recipes as much as I do, try my delicious Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with White Beans and Spinach, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew or my Baked Zucchini and Butter Bean Hummus. Or if you're looking for something sweet whip up a batch of these No-Bake Black Bean Brownies.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
How To Make Chickpea Fava Bean Salad
Expert Tips
Common Questions
Serving Suggestions
More Healthy Bean Recipes to Enjoy
Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The blend of Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients creates a flavor-packed salad, similar to a traditional Lebanese bean salad.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or easy weeknight side dish.
Versatile: You can customize this salad by adding your favorite beans, vegetables, or fresh herbs to suit your preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. The salad keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better as the flavors meld together.

Recipe Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make this easy bean salad:

Ingredient Notes:

Fava Beans and Chickpeas: These beans add heartiness and texture to the salad. Swap with any beans you have on hand like black beans, lima beans, or edamame.
Cucumber: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch to the salad. You can also use fresh zucchini as an alternative.
Red Bell Pepper: Brightens the salad with its sweet flavor and vibrant color. Use yellow or orange bell peppers as substitutes.
Green Onion: Brings a mild onion flavor that’s not overpowering. Swap with finely chopped red onion if desired.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a tangy zing that lifts all the flavors. Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different twist.
Fresh Herbs (Mint and Cilantro): Give the salad a burst of freshness. Feel free to swap with flat-leaf parsley or a mix of your favorite herbs.

See recipe card below for all ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Chickpea Fava Bean Salad

Process shot of vinaigrette ingredients in clear bowl.

Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl add lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Process shot of whisked vinaigrette ingredients in clear bowl.

Mix the Vinaigette: Whisk to combine vinaigrette.

Process shot of salad ingredients in clear bowl.

Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fava beans, chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Process shot of mixed salad ingredients and vinaigrette in clear bowl.

Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Add More Veggies: Include diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for more variety. You can also toss in capers or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Cheese Option: For a creamy contrast, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Vegan feta works well if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for some heat. A dash of cayenne pepper can also elevate the flavors.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh fava beans?

Absolutely! Fresh fava beans work well in this recipe, though you’ll need to blanch and peel them before using. If you’re short on time, canned fava beans are a convenient and tasty option.

Can I use dried fava beans and chickpeas?

Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked overnight and then cooked in a pot or pressure cooker before adding them to the salad. Fresh beans are also a great option for this recipe.

Can I substitute the fava beans with other beans?

Yes, feel free to swap out the fava beans with your favorite beans like edamame, black beans, or cannellini beans for a different flavor and texture.

Fava bean chickpea salad in white bowl with beige napkin and knife and serve spoon.

Embrace the Zest of Citrus: The zesty tang will elevate the entire salad, adding a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the fave beans and chickpeas.

Serving Suggestions

This Fava Bean Chickpea Salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes or can be served on its own for a light, satisfying meal. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

Pair with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a light and refreshing complement to your main dish. The bright flavors of the salad balance the savory, smoky taste of grilled meats.
Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Add this salad to a spread of hummus, pita bread, roasted vegetables, and olives for a colorful and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired platter. It makes for an impressive appetizer or light dinner.
Stuffed in Pitas or Wraps: Tuck the salad into warm pita bread or wraps for an easy lunch. Add some tahini sauce, a dollop of tzatziki or this cauliflower cream sauce for extra creaminess.
Serve Over Greens: For an even lighter meal, serve the salad over a bed of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, mixed greens or crunchy kale salad. Drizzle with extra lemon vinaigrette for added flavor.
Perfect for Picnics and Potlucks: Since this salad doesn’t get soggy, it’s ideal for bringing to potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. Serve it as a side dish that everyone can enjoy.
Top with Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: For a little extra creaminess and tang, top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (or use a vegan alternative if preferred). It adds a layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and citrus dressing.