Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

A fresh, slightly sweet, protein-rich salad packed with chickpeas, crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, crisp vegetables, and a bright citrus dressing.

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 4 cups mixed greens or spinach
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Orange Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl or jar combine:

• orange juice
• orange zest
• olive oil
• apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• honey or maple syrup
• garlic
• salt
• pepper

Whisk or shake until smooth and well combined.

Refrigerate while preparing salad.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Add walnuts.

Toast:

• 3–5 minutes

Stirring frequently until fragrant.

Let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl combine:

• mixed greens
• chickpeas
• cranberries
• walnuts
• cucumber
• onion
• apple
• parsley
• feta if using

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle orange vinaigrette over salad.
2. Toss gently until coated.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.

Nutrition (Approx Per Serving)

• Calories: 320–380
• Protein: 9–11g
• Fiber: 8–10g
• Healthy fats: 18–22g

Tips

• Pat chickpeas dry for better texture.
• Use fresh orange juice for brightest flavor.
• Add dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
• Toasted walnuts add much more flavor than raw.

Delicious Variations

Protein Boost

Add:

• grilled chicken
• quinoa
• roasted tofu

Autumn Version

Add:

• roasted sweet potatoes
• pumpkin seeds
• cinnamon pinch in dressing

Creamier Salad

Add:

• avocado slices
• goat cheese

Storage

Salad

• Best eaten fresh
• Undressed salad keeps 2 days refrigerated

Dressing

• Keeps up to 5 days refrigerated

Shake before using because natural separation occurs.