Puttanesca Chickpea-Tomato Salad

By Ali Slagle

Updated August 18, 2022

  • Joe Lingeman for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(2,860)
Comments
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This recipe turns tomato salad into a meal by marrying creamy beans with some of the briny, salty ingredients found in pasta puttanesca, like tomatoes, capers, olives and garlic. While Parmesan isn’t traditional to puttanesca, coarsely chopped pebbles of it add bursts of umami to this salad. Feel free to omit the cheese for a vegan dish, or embellish the mix with fresh or dried chile, tinned fish or more vegetables. This recipe is not only adaptable but also improves as it sits: The tomato juices mingle with the oil, olives and capers — and the beans drink it all up.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

  • 1 ½ pounds ripe tomatoes of any size, cut into 1- or 2-bite pieces

  • 3 cups cooked, rinsed chickpeas, white beans or a mix (homemade or from two 15-ounce cans)

  • ½ cup coarsely chopped parsley leaves and stems

  • 1 ½ ounces Parmesan, coarsely chopped or crumbled (about ⅓ cup)

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup kalamata olives, torn in half and pitted

  • 3 tablespoons drained capers

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste

  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

  • Kosher salt

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 to 6 servings)

134 grams carbs; 6 milligrams cholesterol; 851 calories; 8 grams monosaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 14 grams fat; 34 grams fiber; 840 milligrams sodium; 54 grams protein; 8 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, stir together the tomatoes, chickpeas, parsley, Parmesan, olive oil, olives, capers, lemon juice and garlic. Season lightly with salt and stir once more. Let sit for 10 minutes or up to 2 hours at room temperature.

  2. Step 2

    Before serving, taste and add more salt and lemon juice until it tastes bright. The balance is largely dependent on your tomatoes. (This salad keeps for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

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Ratings

5 out of 5
2,860 user ratings
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Comments

mosaic

I made this lovely salad exactly as written. I let it sit for 30 minutes. Tasted, and although it was delicious as is thought some of the fresh oregano might be a nice addition. So, I added some from the garden. Let it sit for another 30 minutes. Tasted and was very pleased. Fast, easy, readily available ingredients and a hit at the potluck brunch. Nothing but a clean bowl to take home. I will definitely make this again. I’m betting it will be even better the next day.

KW

I used feta instead of Parmesan and added some sliced red onions. Absolutely delicious and so easy to prepare.

Leigh

I topped with nice canned tuna after serving -- perfect! For mellower garlic, grate the garlic into the lemon juice first and let sit while you prep the ingredients. It melds well.

BK

I used this as a base & modified a lot: Substituted Italian & Thai basil instead of parsley. Blistered the cherry tomatoes in oil in a large pan on the stovetop w/about a cup of finely cut zucchini & three large minced cloves of garlic. About 3 TBL chopped sundried tomatoes. Added dried chili pepper. (Why does a "puttanesca" recipe not have any hot peppers in it?) I added extra lemon juice & eventually some balsamic (to taste). Substituted feta for parmesan at the end. Let it sit 3 hours, stir.

Gloria O.

Excellent recipe!! Very tasty! It can be made ahead or it keeps for 2 days! Readers recommendations are excellent too!!

Mary

All the basil goes well with this! I add a mix of Thai and the regular purple and green varieties. Plus a mix of cilantro, oregano and a tiny bit of mint and lemon balm. Also toss in bell pepper along with the celery for crunch. Served on a bed of lettuce with a bit of feta and avocado on top.

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