Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a light meal or side. Combining the earthiness of chickpeas with the sweetness of cranberries and a citrusy dressing, it’s both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
• 1 orange, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, red onion, and mixed greens.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or side dish.

Tips & Variations

• Toast walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or pomegranate seeds for variety.
• Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess (optional).
• This salad is great for meal prep as the flavors develop over time.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheat is not recommended since this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm compared to dried ones; if you use fresh, consider adding a bit more honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad holds up well and actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and toss before serving.

Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This vibrant Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad features tender chickpeas, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh mixed greens, all tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish, this salad offers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with refreshing citrus notes from fresh orange juice and zest.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting walnuts)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach

Orange Vinaigrette

• 1 orange, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, finely chopped red onion, and mixed greens or baby spinach. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. Prepare Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
3. Toss Salad: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the combined salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the dressing.
4. Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
5. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It is perfect as a light meal on its own or as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

• Toast walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their natural flavor and crunch.
• For variety, substitute dried cranberries with raisins or pomegranate seeds.
• For added creaminess and flavor, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• This salad is excellent for meal prep as the flavors deepen and develop over time.

Keywords: chickpea salad, cranberry walnut salad, orange vinaigrette, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free