Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl with Pita

Kcal: 630 |
P: 26 |
F: 21 |
C: 83 |
Fiber: 16

Ingredients

Chickpeas (canned, drained): 150g (1 cup), Cherry tomatoes: 100g (1 cup, halved), Cucumber: 100g (1 cup, diced), Red onion: 30g (1/4 cup, finely chopped), Kalamata olives: 30g (1/4 cup, pitted and sliced), Feta cheese (low-fat): 30g (2 tbsp, crumbled), Olive oil: 10g (2 tsp), Lemon juice: 15ml (1 tbsp), Fresh parsley: 10g (2 tbsp, chopped), Dried oregano: 0.5g (1/4 tsp), Whole-wheat pita: 60g (1 small round), Salt: to taste, Black pepper: to taste

Nutritional info:

Meal Type: lunch
Dietary Suitable for: Vegetarian (excludes meat, may include dairy and eggs)
Cooking Time Minutes: 260
Suitable for Menopausal Status: Peri-menopausal

Recipe Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 150g chickpeas, 100g halved cherry tomatoes, 100g diced cucumber, 30g finely chopped red onion, 30g sliced Kalamata olives, 30g crumbled low-fat feta cheese, and 10g chopped fresh parsley. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together 10g olive oil, 15ml lemon juice, and 0.5g dried oregano. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 3. Warm 60g whole-wheat pita (1 small round) in a toaster or dry skillet until soft and slightly crisp. 4. Serve the salad in a bowl with the pita on the side for dipping or scooping.

Menopause Benefits

This Mediterranean salad delivers molybdenum from chickpeas that supports hormone detoxification during menopause. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein with fibre that nurtures beneficial gut bacteria. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which supports skin elasticity and cardiovascular health. Cucumber delivers silica that strengthens connective tissue for skin resilience. Olives provide hydroxytyrosol that protects cellular DNA from oxidative damage. Feta cheese contributes phosphorus that works synergistically with calcium for bone strength. Red onions deliver chromium that enhances insulin sensitivity for stable energy. Lemon juice provides citric acid that enhances mineral absorption for optimal nutrition. Parsley contributes apigenin, which supports healthy cellular communication. Whole-wheat pita delivers selenium that activates antioxidant enzymes for cellular protection. This fibre-rich meal supports microbial diversity in the gut microbiome while delivering essential micronutrients for overall vitality during this transformative life phase.

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