Mare’s Favorite Arugula Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor—this Mediterranean chickpea salad is the kind of dish that instantly brightens any table.

It’s built around simple, wholesome ingredients: tender chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and peppery arugula, all brought together with creamy crumbled feta and a touch of sharp red onion. Each element adds its own texture and character, creating a salad that feels both light and satisfying.

What makes this salad especially appealing is how effortlessly it comes together. There’s no complicated prep or cooking required—just fresh ingredients, thoughtfully combined to create something that feels both nourishing and elevated.

Perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or part of a larger spread, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again—especially during the warmer months when simple, fresh flavors shine the most.

This salad is all about fresh ingredients and simple preparation, making it as easy to put together as it is beautiful to serve. With just a bit of chopping and a quick vinaigrette, everything comes together effortlessly.

Below you’ll find the full recipe with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions to guide you through it.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

4 cups arugula

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 shallot, chopped ( feel free to substitute a red onion if you don’t like shallots)

2-3 mini Persian cucumbers, sliced

1-2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

Salt

Pepper

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl add extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir salad dressing ingredients together until well combined. Set salad dressing aside. In a large bowl, add arugula, chickpeas, shallots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese. Pour dressing mixture over salad and toss until salad is coated in dressing. Serve in your favorite salad bowl and enjoy!

*Note: If you would like to add protein to this salad grilled chicken, steak, or salmon would go perfectly.

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