Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad made with protein-rich chickpeas, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, crisp veggies, and a bright citrusy orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy meal prep option.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
2 cups baby spinach or arugula, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
For the Orange Vinaigrette:
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the vinaigrette:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, zest, mustard, honey, and vinegar until emulsified.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, spinach (or arugula), and parsley.
Toss gently to mix.
Add cheese (optional):
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top.
Dress and serve:
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Toss well and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or shredded carrots.
Make it ahead: Mix the salad without dressing and keep in the fridge. Add vinaigrette before serving.
Vegan option: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor—toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are very tart; dried ones are better for balance. If using fresh, sauté them with a little honey first.
Q: How long does this salad keep?
A: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator (best if stored without the vinaigrette).
Q: Can I substitute the walnuts?
A: Yes—pecans, almonds, or pistachios work beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 9g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 200mg