This salad is one of my most requested recipes. The combination of flavors is great and it looks wonderful in the bowl and on a plate. It is a nice choice to take to a potluck or family gathering because you can make it ahead and just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to go.
I make this salad so all of the chopped up vegies are close in size to the garbanzo beans. It is so pretty it’s almost like an edible garnish when it is on a plate with other things.
In addition to the garbanzo beans there is celery, red bells, olives, tomatoes and onions. Italian spices, grated Reggiano cheese and lots of fresh basil complement and bring together all of the flavors.
This salad is incredibley good for you and tastes great too! If there happens to be any left over, you will be happy to eat more the next day!
If you wanted to make this salad as a main course you could add chopped cooked chicken or chopped salami and little cubes of your favorite cheese.
This recipe was shared with Friday Foodie Fix. I also shared this recipe with Tasty Tuesday at Who Is Laura, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at At The Well, Tuesdays At The Table at All Of The Small Stuff.
Mix all ingredients in large bowl: 2- 14 oz size cans (3 cups total) garbanzo beans (I use Pastene brand- they have the most flavor and texture. Bush’s or S&W would be the next choice. Try to use up cans of beans within 6 months of purchase, otherwise they get squishy and blah tasting! I date everything that I buy so I can keep track) 1- 1/2 cups fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped (drain before adding to bowl) 1 cup red onion, chopped 1/2 cup black olives, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup red bell peppers, chopped 3/4 cup parsley, chopped fine Mix dressing in small bowl then add to salad and mix in well: 3 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tblsp red or white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb spice blend Grated Reggiano cheese to taste (I use about 2 Tblsp) 1 clove garlic, crushed 3 Tblsp fresh basil (more to taste) 1/2 teaspoon sugar to balance vinegar (more if necessary) dash of cayenne pepper black pepper to taste This salad will serve 8-10 people depending on portion size. Welcome to Andreas Kitchen! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to my blog to get updated whenever I post a recipe.
This recipe is THE most perfect salad you can make. It’s delicious, colorful to present to company, and good for you. Give it a try, it’s easy to make.
Thank you so much!
Andrea ~ How many days ahead could I make this salad and not compromise the texture and quality?? Looks yummy
Hi Kim,
I wouldn’t make it more than one day ahead.
Thanks for your question!
Andrea