Description
A vibrant and refreshing Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas salad combining protein-packed chickpeas with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette. This no-cook salad is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz.), drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pistachios
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium. Pat dry with a paper towel for better absorption of flavors.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, dried cranberries, chopped fresh herbs, and chopped nuts. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and mix lightly to maintain its texture. For best consistency, if preparing ahead of time, add the feta just before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add feta just before serving.
- You can substitute walnuts or pistachios with other nuts like almonds or pecans for different texture and flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit entirely.
- Adjust the honey or maple syrup in the dressing according to your preferred sweetness level or omit for a less sweet dressing.
