Chic-Chic Salad (Chicken and Chickpea)

Who says a salad needs leafy greens? This indulgent, leaf-free salad is extremely fulfilling and satisfying, packed with nutritious ingredients and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s hearty enough to refuel after a workout yet light enough to enjoy in a smaller portion as a main dish. Fresh, flavorful, and wholesome—this salad proves that greens aren’t the only way to go!

Serves 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Prep Time: 25 min

Make ahead cook time: 10 min after prep

For the best flavor, let this recipe marinate for at least an hour to enhance its taste. However, if you're short on time, don’t worry—it will still be absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

(salt and pepper)

• 250g cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 medium cucumber

• 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas, rinsed

• 1/2 red onion

• 1 mild chili

• 2 garlic cloves

• A handful of chopped basil

• A handful of chopped parsley

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 10-15 olives

• 300g diced chicken breast

• Grated Parmesan

Method:

1. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the cucumber into small pieces (about the size of a halved cherry tomato). Place them in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl.

3. Finely chop the red onion and add it to the chickpeas.

4. Finely chop the chili and mince the garlic, then add them to the chickpeas as well.

5. Chop the basil and parsley, and mix them into the bowl. Add the olives.

6. Drizzle with 3 table spoons of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate to marinate until ready to eat.

7. When ready to serve, heat a little olive oil in a pan and cook the diced chicken in a little oil until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally.

8. Add the tomatoes and cucumber to the chickpea mixture.

9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, add it to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

10. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, toss everything together, and serve.

11. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Serving Tips:

We add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat!

Make-Ahead Meal Steps:

Complete the recipe through step 6, then store the diced chicken, diced tomatoes and cucumber, and the chickpea mix separately in the fridge.

When you're ready to eat, simply continue from step 7—and voilà! You’ll have a beautiful, fresh chicken and chickpea salad ready to go.

Tips & Tricks:

Got leftover roast chicken? This recipe is a perfect way to give it new life.

Short on time? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavourful shortcut—no cooking required, just shred and toss it in!

Enjoy this fresh, healthy recipe—and as always, happy cooking! 🥗🍽️