Festive Lemon-Tossed Chickpea Salad with Cranberries, Almonds & Feta
Description
This bright, refreshing Festive Lemon-Tossed Chickpea Salad is the perfect balance of zesty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Protein-rich chickpeas are tossed in fresh lemon dressing, paired with jewel-like dried cranberries, toasted almonds for crunch, and salty feta for richness. It’s light yet satisfying—ideal for holiday tables, summer lunches, or healthy meal prep.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting almonds)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Salad
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1½ cans, drained & rinsed)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped red onion (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Lemon Dressing
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Toast the Almonds
Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add almonds and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Remove and cool.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add chickpeas, cranberries, red onion, and herbs.
Toss with Dressing
Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss until chickpeas are evenly coated.
Finish & Serve
Fold in toasted almonds and feta just before serving for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a holiday side dish
Enjoy as a light lunch with pita or flatbread
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for a complete meal
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Add feta and almonds just before serving to keep them fresh
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare everything except feta and almonds up to 24 hours ahead. Add them just before serving.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: It’s vegetarian. For vegan, simply omit feta or use plant-based feta.
Q: Can I use canned chickpeas?
A: Absolutely—just rinse and drain well.
Q: What can I substitute for almonds?
A: Walnuts, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds work beautifully.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—this salad is naturally gluten-free.