Description
Vibrant Feta Cranberry Chickpea Salad With Zesty Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas by draining and rinsing them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and sodium. Pat them dry with a paper towel and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the salad components by adding the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumber to the bowl with the chickpeas.
- Whisk the dressing in a separate small bowl by combining the fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thickened.
- Assemble the fresh elements by gently folding the fresh spinach or mixed greens into the chickpea mixture. If using cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley, add those now as well.
- Dress the salad by drizzling the lemon vinaigrette over the ingredients. Start with about two-thirds of the dressing, then toss gently using two large spoons to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or remaining dressing as needed.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a short time.
- Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Feta Cranberry Chickpea Salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad