Nutritious No-Cook Potluck: Pepper & Chickpea Feta Salad

Reviewer: Nutritionist Jessica Ball, MS, RD 

 Summer is in full swing, which can mean lots of outdoor gatherings focused on food. Invited to a party but don't know what to bring? Potato salad and coleslaw  seem like  obvious choices, but I like  something  lighter and different that's still  super filling.The dish  I want to take to the potluck has to be easy to make, tasty and nutritious. For me, this dish is this pepper & Chickpea Feta  Salad. 

 Why I Love This  High-Fiber No-Cook Meal 

 When I get an invitation to a last-minute barbecue, I want to bring a dish that I can make with ingredients that I regularly have on hand. Another trip to the supermarket is the last thing I want to do when time is running out. My solution?This quick, no-fuss, great-tasting salad  is easy to make and sure to please any crowd. Here are 6 more reasons  I love it: 

 1. No cooking required. 

 I love to cook, but when it's hot outside I don't feel like turning on the stove or preheating the oven. That's why I like dishes  that don't need to be cooked.This also reduces the number of dishes  to be prepared, which is always a great time saver. 

 Related Topics: 15 No-Cook Dinners In 15 Minutes Or Less 

 2. Prep Is Easy 

 The hardest part of this recipe is opening a can and chopping up some  veggies. Mix oil, vinegar and spices, then mix in the bowl with the other ingredients - done. The party is not waiting for you!

 3. Feeding a Crowd The 

  recipe is intended for two people, but can easily be doubled, tripled, or quadrupled to feed a larger group. Also, the serving size of the recipe  reflects the recipe as a main dish. So if you serve it as an accompaniment to other main courses, you can take it  a step further. 

 4. It is nutritious and high in fiber. 

 This salad is naturally high in fiber thanks to chickpeas.You get a whopping 9 grams per serving, which meets our nutritional parameters for a high-fiber recipe. Chickpeas are also high in plant-based protein and key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and potassium to help keep you feeling energized and feeling good. Not to mention that the combination of cream cheese, crunchy peppers, chickpea hearts and fresh herbs is downright delicious. 

 5. It's Convenient 

 This dish is based on produce you probably already have in the pantry and fridge.It takes just 10 minutes to make, so it's perfect if you're short on prep time. It keeps well and makes a great leftover—no soggy salad here.

6. Customizable 

Worried about giving someone  a special diet? Don't have any ingredients on hand? No problem! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free and is also suitable for vegetarians.You can also omit the feta to satisfy dairy-free or vegan eaters. Substitute whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand to keep the salad to your liking. 

 

 The bottom line 

 Make life easier and tastier with my favorite salad, which I love to bring to every kitchen. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it's also  nutritious and will help make you (and your guests) feel better. For more summer cooking inspiration, check out our most popular grilled and vegetarian main courses to round off the menu.