This Trader Joe’s style Greek Chickpeas recipe is an easy and healthy recipe, which is made with canned chickpeas, fresh lemon, and parsley. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish, a flavorful, no-cook recipe that’s great for meal prep.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas Ingredients
A simple, wholesome list for a perfect, easy side dish.
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly simple, no-cook, make-ahead salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Overnight: Stir well to combine, ensuring all the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and spices. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container (a quart-sized mason jar works perfectly).
- Infuse Flavors: Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but preferably for a full 24 hours. Stir or shake the container every few hours to make sure the chickpeas are evenly marinating.
- Serve: Remove the chickpeas from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow the olive oil to come back to room temperature and become liquid again. Serve at room temperature or heated, if desired.
Recipe Tips
For the most flavorful, perfectly marinated chickpeas.
- How to get the most flavor? The long marinating time is the most crucial step. Letting the chickpeas sit in the flavorful oil and lemon mixture for a full 24 hours allows them to absorb all the seasonings and become incredibly delicious.
- Why does the oil get solid in the fridge? Real extra virgin olive oil will solidify when it gets cold. This is completely normal! Letting the chickpeas sit on the counter for about an hour before serving will allow the oil to return to its liquid state.
- Can I customize this recipe? Absolutely! This is a fantastic base. For an even more “Greek” flavor, you can add some finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
- Trader Joe’s Shortcuts: This recipe is perfect for using all Trader Joe’s ingredients, from their canned chickpeas and organic olive oil to their fresh lemons and herbs.
What To Serve With Greek Chickpeas
Perfect pairings for this versatile and healthy dish.
These flavorful marinated chickpeas are a fantastic and versatile side dish or meal component. Serve them:
- As a simple side dish for grilled chicken, salmon, or lamb kebabs
- Spooned over a fresh green salad or a grain bowl for a healthy lunch
- Mixed with a can of tuna for a quick, protein-packed salad
- As part of a larger Mediterranean-style meze platter with hummus and pita bread
How To Store Greek Chickpeas
Keeping your make-ahead salad fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store the marinated chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and become even more flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a perfect meal prep option.
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 228kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 16g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, but you will need to cook them first. Soak about ¾ cup of dried chickpeas overnight, then simmer them in fresh water for 1-2 hours until tender. Let them cool completely before using them in the recipe.
For the absolute best flavor, a long marination is recommended. However, if you’re short on time, even a few hours in the fridge will still create a delicious result. The flavor will just get better and better the longer you let them sit.
Yes. While parsley is fresh and classic, finely chopped fresh dill or a teaspoon of dried oregano would also be fantastic and very fitting for a Greek-inspired dish.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Couscous Recipe
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas Recipe
Course: Side DIshCuisine: Mediterranean-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes228
kcalAn incredibly easy, no-cook, make-ahead copycat recipe for Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are marinated overnight in a zesty lemon, olive oil, and herb dressing for a perfect, flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl or a large mason jar, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas with all other ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir or shake very well to ensure the chickpeas are evenly coated.
- Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably for 24 hours, stirring or shaking occasionally.
- Remove from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow the olive oil to come to room temperature.
- Serve as a side dish, on salads, or in grain bowls.
Notes
- The 24-hour marinating time is the crucial step for infusing the chickpeas with the most flavor.
- Don’t be alarmed if the olive oil solidifies in the fridge; this is normal and it will re-liquefy at room temperature.
- This is a perfect meal prep recipe, as the chickpeas will keep in the fridge and get more flavorful for up to 5 days.
- For a full Greek salad feel, add chopped cucumber, red onion, and feta just before serving.
