High-protein vegetarian salad

Low-Calorie High-Protein Vegetarian Chickpea Cucumber Salad

Chickpeas, edamame, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, reduced-fat feta, and a lemon-yogurt dressing. Edamame and Greek yogurt increase protein while the large vegetable portion keeps the salad fresh and substantial.

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Low-Calorie High-Protein Vegetarian Chickpea Cucumber Salad served and ready to eat
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook TimeNo cooking
Total Time20 minutes
Recipe Yield2 large salads
Estimated Protein31.5 g per serving
Recipe introduction

About This Healthy Recipe

Chickpeas, edamame, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, reduced-fat feta, and a lemon-yogurt dressing. Edamame and Greek yogurt increase protein while the large vegetable portion keeps the salad fresh and substantial.

The chickpeas and edamame are dried after rinsing so the dressing remains creamy rather than diluted. Feta is used as a measured accent, not the main protein source.

This low-calorie high-protein vegetarian chickpea cucumber salad uses measured ingredients, realistic quantities, and practical preparation steps for home cooking. It is a healthy meal idea, not a cure, guaranteed weight-loss method, or substitute for individualized nutrition care.

Why Readers May Like It

  • 1No cooking needed beyond preparing edamame.
  • 2Provides two large servings.
  • 3Uses multiple vegetarian protein sources.
Transparent nutrition estimate

Recipe Summary and Estimated Nutrition

The values below are calculated for the exact ingredient weights listed in the base recipe. The four primary cards show calories, protein, carbohydrates, and total fat per serving; the detailed table shows how every ingredient contributes to the full recipe total.

Estimated nutrition per serving

2 large salads

Calculated from measured ingredient weights and divided by 2 servings. Values are evidence-informed estimates rather than laboratory-tested results.

USDA-based estimate
Recipe yield
2 servings
Food weight
about 563 g per serving
kcalEstimated
Calories
433kcal

Estimated energy per serving

PEstimated
Protein
31.5g

Calculated from all listed ingredients

CEstimated
Carbohydrates
53.6g

Includes fiber and naturally occurring sugars

FEstimated
Total Fat
12.7g

Includes saturated and unsaturated fat

Dietary fiber≈ 15.1 g
Total sugars≈ 15.7 g
Added sugars≈ 0 g
Saturated fat≈ 2.9 g
Sodium≈ 213 mg

Values are calculated before display rounding. Product labels, produce size, drained weight, cooking loss, and substitutions can change the final result.

Ingredient-by-Ingredient Nutrition Breakdown

Household measurements and gram weights are shown together so readers can reproduce the recipe and compare the estimate with another reliable database or the labels on the exact products they buy.

IngredientAmount usedWeightCaloriesProteinCarbsFat
Cooked chickpeas1½ cups240 g394 kcal21.4 g65.8 g6.2 g
Shelled edamame1 cup155 g188 kcal18.4 g13.8 g8.1 g
Cucumber, diced2 cups300 g45 kcal2.1 g10.8 g0.3 g
Cherry tomatoes1 cup150 g27 kcal1.4 g5.8 g0.3 g
Red onion, thinly sliced¼ small onion30 g12 kcal0.3 g2.8 g0 g
Parsley and mint⅔ cup50 g0 kcal0 g0 g0 g
Reduced-fat feta⅓ cup38 g80 kcal6.8 g1.9 g4.9 g
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt½ cup120 g71 kcal12.4 g4.3 g0.5 g
Fresh lemon juice2 tablespoons30 g7 kcal0.1 g2.1 g0.1 g
Extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon5 g44 kcal0 g0 g5 g
Garlic, cumin, black pepper, and saltAs listed in the method8 g0 kcal0 g0 g0 g
Calculated full-recipe total2 large salads1126 g867 kcal62.9 g107 g25.4 g

How This Nutrition Estimate Was Prepared

  • Every ingredient is assigned a specific gram weight instead of relying only on a cup, spoon, or item count.
  • Standard unbranded food-composition values are aligned with the closest matching foods in USDA FoodData Central.
  • Ingredient values are added for the full recipe, divided by the listed yield, and rounded only for display.
  • Optional ingredients are included only when the ingredient list says they are part of the estimate.

Accuracy note: These numbers are credible estimates, not laboratory analysis. For the closest personal result, weigh the ingredients and calculate from the labels on the exact brands used.

What you need

Ingredients

Use the serving control to scale the measured ingredients for this low-calorie high-protein vegetarian chickpea cucumber salad.

Scale

Protein base

Vegetables

Herbs and topping

Lemon-yogurt dressing

Cooking details

Professional Step-by-Step Preparation

Equipment

Have the listed equipment ready before preparing low-calorie high-protein vegetarian chickpea cucumber salad so measuring, cooking, and serving steps stay organized.

  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Before You Start

Pat beans and edamame dry. Read all steps once, measure the ingredients, and keep raw animal proteins separate from ready-to-eat foods when applicable.

1

Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly

About 4 minutes

Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry so the salad does not become watery.

Success tip: Pat beans and edamame dry.
2

Place the chickpeas edamame cucumber tomatoes

About 4 minutes

Place the chickpeas, edamame, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta in a large bowl.

Success tip: Slice onion thinly.
3

In a small bowl whisk the

About 4 minutes

In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, pepper, and a small pinch of salt.

Success tip: Add herbs at the end.
4

Roll and secure

About 4 minutes

Pour the dressing over the salad and fold gently until every ingredient is lightly coated.

Success tip: Pat beans and edamame dry.
5

Chill for the best texture

10 minutes

Taste and adjust lemon, pepper, or herbs. Chill for 10 minutes when time allows, then divide into two servings.

Success tip: Slice onion thinly.

How to Know It Is Ready

Doneness

The salad is ready when beans are dry, vegetables remain crisp, and the dressing lightly coats rather than pools.

Texture

Add herbs at the end.

Serving

Divide the finished recipe into 2 equal servings so the nutrition estimate remains meaningful.

Health and fitness context

Potential Benefits and Things to Consider

Potential Benefits

  • Chickpeas and edamame supply plant protein and fiber.
  • Greek yogurt adds dairy protein.
  • Cucumber and tomato provide volume and hydration.

Things to Consider

  • Contains soy and milk.
  • Feta and canned chickpeas can increase sodium.
  • Legumes may cause digestive discomfort for some people.
Practical fit

Who May Enjoy This Recipe?

It May Work Well For

  • Vegetarians wanting a protein-rich salad.
  • People who prefer cold lunches.
  • Meal-prep users who can store dressing separately.

Best Times to Eat It

  • Lunch.
  • Light dinner.
  • After light-to-moderate training.

A recipe can be nutritious and still require changes for allergies, medical conditions, pregnancy, cultural preferences, medications, or a professionally prescribed eating plan.

Goal-based adjustments

How to Adjust It for Different Goals

For fewer calories

Reduce feta and oil while keeping the full vegetable portion.

For more protein

Increase edamame or Greek yogurt.

For more energy

Add quinoa or whole-grain pita.

Any adjustment changes calories and macronutrients. Recalculate the recipe from the actual gram weights and product labels rather than assuming the original numbers still apply.

Flexible preparation

Substitutions, Dietary Notes, and Allergens

Practical Substitutions

  • Use lentils instead of chickpeas.
  • Use dairy-free yogurt and omit feta for a vegan version.
  • Replace edamame with white beans if soy must be avoided.
  • Use dill instead of mint.

Allergen Information

Contains soy and milk. The base is gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified.

Always check every packaged ingredient label because formulations and cross-contact statements can change.

Storage guidance

Storage and Meal Preparation

Refrigerate for up to three days.

Store dressing separately.

Do not freeze because cucumber and tomato lose texture.

Discard food that has been held at unsafe temperatures, smells unusual, shows spoilage, or has exceeded a safe storage period. When in doubt, do not taste it to test safety.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerate for up to three days. Store dressing separately.

Use lentils instead of chickpeas. Use dairy-free yogurt and omit feta for a vegan version.

Increase edamame or Greek yogurt. Recalculate the nutrition using the label or database value for any changed ingredient.

The salad is ready when beans are dry, vegetables remain crisp, and the dressing lightly coats rather than pools.

Each ingredient is assigned a gram weight. Standard unbranded food-composition values are multiplied by those weights, added for the full recipe, and divided by the listed number of servings before display rounding. Brands and substitutions can change the result.

No. This recipe page provides general educational information and does not replace individualized guidance from a qualified health or nutrition professional.

Responsible guidance

Nutrition and Safety Note

This page is for general education. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide individualized diet advice. People with allergies, medical conditions, pregnancy, or specific nutrition requirements should seek qualified professional guidance.

Nutrition Data Source

General Nutrition References

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