High Fiber and Protein No Lettuce Salad

Crisp, Colorful & Perfect for Cleaning Out the Fridge 🥒🧅🧄Sometimes the best salads are the ones without a single leaf of lettuce. This No Lettuce Salad is crunchy, tangy, and endlessly flexible—made with chickpeas, feta, and whatever veggies you have on hand. Toss it all in a quick homemade Zesty Italian Dressing, and you’ve got a side dish that’s simple, satisfying, and so full of flavor.

Even better? It comes together in minutes, is loaded with fiber and protein, and holds up beautifully in the fridge—no soggy lettuce here! It’s the perfect meal prep salad for busy weeks, packed lunches, or grab-and-go bites.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

✔ Ready in 10 Minutes – Just chop, toss, and go✔ No Lettuce Required – Crunchy, fresh, and stays crisp✔ Great for Using Up Veggies – Cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, avocado—you name it✔ High in Fiber & Protein – Thanks to the chickpeas and feta✔ Zesty Homemade Dressing – Made in 60 seconds and better than bottled✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – It actually gets better as it sits!✔ Versatile – Enjoy on its own or spooned over greens, quinoa, or pasta salad

The Recipe: No Lettuce Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

For the Salad (Use what you have!):

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1–2 mini cucumbers or 1 large cucumber, chopped

• 1–2 tomatoes, diced (or halved cherry tomatoes)

• 1 ripe avocado, cubed (optional but amazing)

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• Optional extras: bell peppers, olives, corn, radish, carrots, celery, basically any veggie you need to use

For the Zesty Italian Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp dried basil

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard or a pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)

Instructions:

1. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.

2. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, feta, and chopped vegetables.

3. Pour dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 15–30 minutes if you have time—it gets even better!

Tips & Serving Suggestions

🌿 Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor🍋 Squeeze a little lemon on top right before serving for brightness🥖 Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or crusty bread🥗 Spoon over greens, quinoa, or pasta for a quick, protein-packed lunch

Why This Salad is Always on My Weekly Menu- It’s quick, nourishing, and lets me use up what’s in my fridge without feeling like I’m settling. The zesty dressing ties it all together, and the feta + chickpeas combo is so satisfying. It’s high in fiber and protein, doesn’t get soggy, and is just as good on its own or as a topping for your favorite base.

If you try it, tag me @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your colorful bowls!

Stay zesty,

Lauren 💕