🥗 Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette (Mediterranean Style)
✨ Description
This Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Protein-rich chickpeas are tossed with crunchy walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and a vibrant orange vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil. It’s light yet satisfying—perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or healthy meal prep salad.
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Salad
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2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, rinsed & drained)
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⅓ cup dried cranberries
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⅓ cup walnuts, lightly toasted & chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced
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¼ cup celery, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)
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3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh mint or dill, chopped (optional)
Orange Vinaigrette
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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 apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
🔥 Instructions
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Prepare the salad base
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, red onion, celery, and fresh herbs. -
Make the vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, zest, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. -
Combine
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. -
Rest & serve
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
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Serve over arugula or spinach
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Pair with grilled chicken or salmon
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Enjoy with pita, hummus, or mezze platters
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Stuff into a wrap or lettuce cups
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Store up to 3 days refrigerated.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: It already is—just use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: What can I use instead of walnuts?
A: Almonds, pistachios, or pecans work beautifully.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Yes—crumbled feta adds a classic Mediterranean touch.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Keep it chilled and give it a quick toss before serving.
