Feta and Cranberry Chickpea Salad
This delightful blend of chickpeas, feta cheese, and dried cranberries tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette makes for a refreshing and nutritious salad perfect for any meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 295kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed Canned chickpeas save time, but you can also use cooked dried chickpeas.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or dairy-free alternative) Traditional feta provides creaminess, but a dairy-free version can be used for vegan diets.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries Feel free to substitute with raisins or other dried fruits for a different sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted almonds or walnuts (optional) Add texture and nutrition; walnuts or almonds work well, but you can omit them if nut-free.
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil Use a good quality olive oil for optimal taste.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard Ensure it is gluten-free if necessary.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese (or alternative), dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. If you are using nuts, add them in as well.
- In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture and gently toss everything until well coated.
- Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying it as a light meal, refreshing side, or in wraps.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 3 days for optimal freshness. It’s advisable to enjoy it cold or at room temperature, as reheating may alter the texture of the chickpeas and feta.