High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

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This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
4

This Caprese Chickpea Salad combines everything you love about caprese into one fiber-rich bowl. Protein-packed chickpeas team up with creamy mozzarella cheese balls, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic dressing for the classic caprese flavors. We toss in cucumber slices for a little extra crunch and antioxidants. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions and fun, tasty additions.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • We enjoy the convenience and size of pearl mozzarella. But you can also use burrata, cutting it into pieces for ease of eating, or dice a ball of mozzarella.
  • For a fun twist, consider adding avocado and/or quartered strawberries. For a heartier meal, you can include canned tuna.
  • To add a bit of crunch to this recipe, try toasting half the chickpeas. 
  • If you’re looking to save a little time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought dressing.

Nutrition Notes

  • Chickpeas are a type of legume, loaded with plant protein, fiber and antioxidants. They’re also a great source of folate, which is crucial for proper cell development and growth. Eating more legumes has been linked to a lower risk of disease, including heart disease. 
  • Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C for a strong immune system. The vitamin C in the tomatoes will also help your body better absorb the iron in the chickpeas. Eating tomatoes more often is associated with lower cancer and heart disease risk. 
  • Cucumbers are loaded with antioxidants, like silica, that play a role in collagen synthesis for healthy skin. Cucumbers’ antioxidants are also linked with reduced cancer risk. 
  • Mozzarella cheese adds protein and calcium to this salad. It’s also one of the lower-sodium and lower-saturated-fat cheeses, so mozzarella is a good option if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Ingredients for a salad, including chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, and seasonings

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 small clove garlic, grated (about ½ teaspoon)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 medium Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced ( cups)

  • 1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

  1. Whisk 3 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 teaspoons mustard, the grated garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Add rinsed chickpeas, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup basil; toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Whisk mixing a bowl of dressing or sauce

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are chickpeas beans?

    They are a type of bean, classified as a legume and pulse because they are edible seeds found within a pod. Therefore, they can be categorized as all three.

  • Do I have to use cherry tomatoes?

    We chose cherry tomatoes because they are flavorful and convenient to eat. Grape tomatoes are an easy substitute, or you can slice any ripe tomatoes you have available.

  • How should I store the salad?

    Whether preparing the salad in advance or saving leftovers, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Small Mason jars are a great option for storing salads like this one, making it easy to take them to work or on road trips.

  • What should I serve with Caprese Chickpea Salad?

    For a light meal, we would typically serve this salad with fresh pita bread. However, it would also pair wonderfully with falafel or something hot off the grill, such as our Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops. A store-bought rotisserie chicken would also work well.

A recipe image of Caprese Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

EatingWell.com, June 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

540 Calories
30g Fat
42g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1½ cups
Calories 540
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 11g 38%
Total Sugars 11g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 26g 53%
Total Fat 30g 39%
Saturated Fat 13g 64%
Cholesterol 61mg 20%
Vitamin A 236µg
Vitamin C 13mg 15%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 15%
Folate 242µg
Vitamin K 28µg
Sodium 622mg 27%
Calcium 514mg 40%
Iron 4mg 23%
Magnesium 92mg 22%
Potassium 656mg 14%
Zinc 4mg 40%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.