🥗 Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Bright, fresh, crunchy, protein-packed, and perfectly Mediterranean!
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Salad
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1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
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1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
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½ cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup celery, sliced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)
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½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1 orange, peeled & segmented (optional but delicious)
🍊 Orange Vinaigrette (Mediterranean Style)
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh orange juice
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1 tsp orange zest
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1–2 tsp honey (optional)
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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Salt & pepper to taste
🔧 Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl add:
✔ chickpeas
✔ greens
✔ cucumber
✔ celery
✔ red onion
✔ cranberries
✔ toasted walnuts
✔ orange slices (if using)
2. Make the Orange Vinaigrette
In a small jar/bowl, whisk together:
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olive oil
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orange juice + zest
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lemon juice
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mustard
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garlic
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honey
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salt & pepper
Whisk until creamy and well combined.
3. Assemble
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
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Toss gently so the chickpeas and greens are evenly coated.
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Top with feta cheese.
🍽️ Serve With
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Grilled chicken
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Baked salmon
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Whole wheat pita
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Mediterranean herb rice
⭐ Mediterranean Tips
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Add fresh mint or parsley for extra brightness.
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Replace walnuts with toasted almonds or pistachios.
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Add avocado for creaminess.
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Add quinoa to make it a full meal.
