Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Vinaigrette
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad with creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This light yet satisfying dish is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy meal-prep option or a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp toasted almonds or walnuts Optional
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, parsley, and toasted nuts if using. Mix everything well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. If preferred, shake everything in a sealed jar for a perfectly emulsified dressing.
- Toss and Let It Rest: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together for the best taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy it as a standalone meal, a side dish, or as a filling for a wrap or pita. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Notes
✅ Customization Options:
- Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or arugula to make it a full meal.
- Substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for feta if preferred.
- Swap dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds or fresh grapes for a refreshing twist.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store vinaigrette separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp.