Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

🥗 Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Mediterranean • Vibrant • 10-Minute Meal


Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 can chickpeas (400 g), drained & rinsed

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

  • 1 small red onion, finely diced

  • ½ cup cucumber, diced

  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

  • ½ cup celery, sliced (optional but adds crunch)

  • ½ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped

  • Optional add-ins:

    • Crumbled feta

    • Pomegranate seeds

    • Avocado cubes


For the Orange Vinaigrette

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice

  • 1 tsp orange zest

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp honey or date syrup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 small garlic clove, grated

  • Salt & black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Prepare the salad

In a large bowl, combine:

  • chickpeas

  • cranberries

  • walnuts

  • red onion

  • cucumber

  • bell pepper

  • celery (optional)

  • chopped parsley or mint

Toss lightly.


2. Make the orange vinaigrette

Whisk together:

  • olive oil

  • orange juice

  • orange zest

  • lemon juice

  • honey/date syrup

  • Dijon mustard

  • garlic

  • salt & pepper

Taste → add more orange or lemon if needed.


3. Combine

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
Toss until everything is glossy and evenly coated.


4. Finish

Add optional toppings:

  • Feta crumbles

  • Pomegranate seeds

  • A drizzle of olive oil

Let sit 5 minutes to absorb flavors.


🍽️ Serve With

  • Grilled chicken or salmon

  • Mediterranean mezze plates

  • Couscous, quinoa, or bulgur

  • As a light lunch or holiday side dish

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