Here’s a refreshing and vibrant salad recipe using Chickpeas, Feta, and Cranberries with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This dish is a great balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, and it’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- Toss the Salad:
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or chill for about 15-20 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld together.
- Optionally, garnish with extra parsley or a few more crumbles of feta cheese before serving.
Tips:
- Make it a Meal: For a more substantial meal, add some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or pomegranate seeds for a different twist. You can also use other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella if you prefer.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of toasted nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for added texture and flavor.
This Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Vinaigrette salad is simple to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a healthy snack or a side dish for any meal!
