Chick Pea Salad Bites

This is really easy appetizer that you can make ahead of time for a stress free party.

For the Salad:
2 15oz cans Chick Peas - Drained and Rinsed
1 Red Bell Pepper - Finely Diced
1/2 English Cucumber - Peeled, Seeded and Finely Diced
1 Medium Shallot - Finely Diced about 1/4 c
1 Garlic Clove - Crushed
1/3 c Crumbled Goat Cheese
2 Tbsp Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
2 - 3 Endive Lettuce Heads
                                                                                       Fresh Ground Black Pepper & Kosher Salt
For the Vinaigrette:
1 Heaping Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp Chopped Oregano
1 tsp Chopped Thyme
1 tsp Chopped Rosemary
1 Tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley
1 Garlic Clove - Crushed
1 Small Shallot - Grated about 2 Tbsp
1/2 c Red Wine Vinegar 
1 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Approximately 
Fresh Ground Black Pepper & Kosher Salt

In a medium size bowl whisk together the dijon mustard, honey, oregano, thyme,rosemary, parsley, garlic, shallot, red wine vinegar, a large pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking.  The dressing should look like it is completely blended, not oil on the top and vinegar on the bottom.  Give the dressing a taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

In a large bowl combine the chick peas, red bell pepper, cucumber, shallot, garlic, goat cheese and parsley.  Coat the chick pea mixture with the vinaigrette, you might not need all of the vinaigrette.  Add either kosher salt or fresh ground pepper if needed.  Refrigerate the chick pea salad for at least 1 hour, overnight is best.

Before plating remove the chick pea salad from the refrigerator about an hour before hand. To serve, separate the endive lettuce leaves and place on a platter.  Give the chick pea salad a stir to recoat it all with the vinaigrette.  Put a spoonful of the chick pea salad into each endive leaf and then serve.

Makes approx. 30 bites

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Any leftover vinaigrette should be refrigerated. It is delicious on a kale salad.  You might also have some leftover chick pea salad.  Top your kale salad with it and you have another meal.  Yum!