Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the nutty flavor of walnuts, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the heartiness of chickpeas. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish at dinner. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to include more plant-based ingredients in your diet. The combination of proteins from chickpeas, healthy fats from walnuts, and vitamins from cucumbers and parsley makes this salad a nutritious option. Plus, it can be prepared in under 15 minutes, saving you time in the kitchen!
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
You can serve this salad as a light meal, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a filling for wraps. It pairs wonderfully with whole grain bread or crackers if you’re looking for a heartier option.
How to Store Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
To store your salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Note that the flavors may deepen and enhance after chilling!
Tips to Make Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
- For extra crunch, consider adding some diced bell peppers or sliced radishes.
- If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds.
- For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your salad.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding different ingredients. Avocado, feta cheese, or grilled chicken are great options to make it more filling or add a new twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can cook fresh chickpeas and use them in the salad. Just ensure they are tender before adding.
2. Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. The flavors will actually improve after sitting for a while.
3. Can I use other dried fruits instead of cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries with raisins, dried apricots, or any dried fruit you prefer!
Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and healthy salad combining walnuts, dried cranberries, and chickpeas, perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or sliced radishes. Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: salad, chickpea, walnut, healthy, vegan, quick meal