Author Notes: A bunch of my favorite ingredients go into these chickpeas—including the incredible combination of red wine vinegar, honey, basil and oregano. Occasionally I’ll switch up the vinegars or add different herbs, depending on what I have in the fridge; what’s lovely about these is that they’re customizable. Whatever you have—add it in! 

Panzanella with Marinated Chickpeas and Chimichurri

Serves 2 generously (maybe even 3 or 4 if you're serving before a meal)

Marinated chickpeas

• 1(15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3tablespoons olive oil
• 2tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2teaspoons honey
• 2garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4teaspoon salt
• 1/4teaspoon pepper
• 1/4teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Chimichurri and salad

• 1cup fresh cilantro
• 2/3cup fresh parsley
• 1/4cup fresh oregano
• 2garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4cup red wine vinegar
• 2/3cup olive oil
• 1/2teaspoon salt
• 1/2teaspoon pepper
• 1/4teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2cups thick Italian bread cubes
• 3cups torn butter lettuce
• 1pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 4ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F.
2. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, basil, honey, garlic, oregano salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chickpeas. Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. To make chimichurri: Combine the parsley, cilantro, oregano and garlic in a food processor and pulse until small leaves and pieces remain. Add in the vinegar and pulse once more. With the processor going, stream in the olive oil and mix until just combined. Stir in the salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Taste and season additionally if needed. Store sealed in the fridge for up to a week or so. This makes a bunch of chimichurri, so you will have leftovers! You can also freeze it in a ziplock bag and add it to soups or pastas.
4. To make salad: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the bread cubes on top. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is toasty and golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. To assemble the salad, add the bread cubes, tomatoes, and lettuce in a large bowl. Pour the chickpeas over top and add as much (or all) of the dressing. Toss well. Drizzle on a few tablespoons of the chimichurri and toss well. Taste and add more if desired – or season with salt and pepper if you find it needs it. Crumble in the feta and toss. Eat up!

https://food52.com/recipes/76400-panzanella-with-marinated-chickpeas-and-chimichurri