Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

🍊 Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

A vibrant, protein-packed salad with sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty citrus dressing! Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing side.

🥗 Servings: 4

⏳ Prep Time: 15 mins

✅ Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and lightly mashed

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or regular)

• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted for extra crunch!)

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water for 5 mins to mellow if preferred)

• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (for creaminess)

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (or 1 tbsp orange zest + 1 tbsp water)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (omit for sugar-free)

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

📝 Instructions:

1. Toast Walnuts (Optional):

   • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3–5 mins, stirring often, until fragrant. Let cool.

2. Prep Chickpeas:

   • Lightly mash chickpeas with a fork (leave some whole for texture).

3. Make Dressing:

   • Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, spinach, cranberries, walnuts, and red onion.

   • Pour dressing over and toss gently. Add cheese if using.

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to let flavors meld.

💡 Pro Tips:

• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge.

• Add Protein: Toss with grilled chicken or quinoa for a heartier meal.

• Nut-Free? Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or pepitas.

• Extra Zing? Add a pinch of cinnamon or cumin to the dressing.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad:

✔️ Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy—all in one bite!
✔️ Packed with fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats
✔️ No cooking required (except toasting walnuts)
✔️ Perfect for picnics, lunches, or holiday sides

Pair with grilled fish or stuff into a pita for a portable lunch! 🥙

Want a minty lemon or balsamic twist? Let me know! 😊