Garbanzo beans, known as ceci in Italy, are a staple in my pantry. As you know from previous blogs, I’m a big hummus fan, and love to snack on roasted garbanzos. Ceci shows up again for lunch in this quick-to-make Mediterranean salad. It’s full of good stuff like fresh spinach, healthy garbanzos, tomatoes and cucumbers. Plus, a homemade lemony vinaigrette that blends all the flavors together. This lunch leaves you feeling satisfied and healthy on those days when you need that kind of boost. It took only minutes to make, even with all these ingredients. I was back to working from home in no time!
Mediterranean Ceci Salad
MEDITERRANEAN CECI SALAD
Makes 1 lunch salad
FOR THE LEMON VINAIGRETTE
3 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground cumin
salt & pepper, to taste
1 T olive oil
FOR THE SALAD
1/3 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn
1/4 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup cubed cucumber
1 green onion, bias-sliced
2 T chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 T crumbled feta cheese
Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar and shake well to incorporate olive oil. Set aside.
Combine all salad ingredients, except cheese, and toss to mix together. Pour vinaigrette, to taste, over top and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese.