Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly versatile, light yet filling, and bursting with textures and flavors. The combination of chickpeas, walnuts, and cranberries makes for a satisfying meal that’s not only healthy but also easy to prepare. The addition of a fresh orange vinaigrette gives the salad a bright, citrusy kick, making it refreshing and delightful to eat. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep, parties, or a quick mid-week meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to marinate. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese would add a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet cranberries.
• Different Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds would work well as an alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you need to reheat, only warm the chickpeas before mixing them into the salad to avoid wilting the spinach.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can cook fresh chickpeas instead of using canned ones, but be sure to cook them until tender and cool them before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan, especially if you use maple syrup as the sweetener in the vinaigrette.

Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries. However, you could try lightly sweetening fresh cranberries to mimic the sweetness of dried ones.

What can I use instead of orange juice for the vinaigrette?

You can use lemon juice or even apple cider vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any adjustments.

How can I add more flavor to the salad?

To enhance the flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of fresh herbs like mint or parsley, or even a few slices of avocado for creaminess.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots for extra crunch and color.

How do I make the vinaigrette sweeter or more tangy?

Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to make it sweeter, or add a little extra Dijon mustard or lemon juice for more tang.

Can I use a different nut in place of walnuts?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or cashews, depending on what you have available.

Conclusion

Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is the perfect combination of fresh, healthy ingredients that are both delicious and satisfying. The sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts add great texture, while the orange vinaigrette brings a refreshing citrusy kick to the mix. Whether you’re enjoying this salad on its own, pairing it with a protein, or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this salad is a must-try for any occasion!

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