Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
Description:
This Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed, and flavor-rich dish perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or potluck side. It combines creamy chickpeas with the tartness of dried cranberries, the crunch of walnuts, and the brightness of fresh herbs in a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients:
Salad:
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1/3 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or reduced sugar preferred)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)
Optional: 1/2 apple, diced (for extra sweetness and crunch)
Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (approx. 2 tbsp)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (if more sweetness is desired)
Instructions:
Prep Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Chop the celery, onion, parsley, and walnuts.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine Salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, celery, onion, parsley, and apple (if using).
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
Chill or Serve: You can serve immediately or refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving — Serves 4):
Nutrient Amount (approx.)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugars 6 g
Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 1.5 g
Sodium 180 mg
Cholesterol 0 mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Total Time:
Pep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 (if using canned chickpeas)
Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
Total: 15–45 minutes
Common Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I use canned chickpeas?
A: Yes! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce sodium content.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a few hours.
Q: What can I substitute for walnuts?
A: Pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds are great alternatives for crunch and nutrition.
Q: Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, it is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Q: Can I add protein to make it more filling?
A: Sure. Add grilled chicken, tofu, or feta cheese for extra protein.