Chick Pea Diced Salad

This is a healthy, delicious side to any meal. I make this to go along with any grilled main course such as chicken or steak, or as my pot luck contribution to any get-together.

Mix & Match your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Ingredients:
(all these you can mix & match to your tastes)

1 can chick peas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can sliced black olives, drained and rinsed
1 package fresh mozzarella pearls, or a larger one, diced into bite size pieces
1 bunch grape tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 cucumber, peel and remove seeds, dice
1/2 carrot, shredded
handful cilantro, basil, or parsley, chopped

these items work as well:
water chestnuts, drained and cut into bite size pieces
lightly grilled asparagus, cut into bite size pieces
hearts of palm, drained, in bite size pieces (this is a personal favorite!)

dressing:
use 1/4 c. your favorite prepared dressing (watch for gluten/sodium content)

or make your own vinaigrette:

wisk together your favorite seasonings with olive oil, your desired vinegar, or juice-
for example:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp orange or lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and celery seed to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together and toss. Add dressing in small amounts until you have desired coverage.


This makes a large bowl, enough for leftovers or for pot luck item at barbeque's.
Note: leftovers can be ladled over green salad for another meal.