Description
Mediterranean charm meets zesty “Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Vinaigrette” in this refreshing salad that dances with tangy and sweet notes. Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (4 ounces)
- 1 (15 ounces) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Nuts and Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Empty the drained chickpeas into a spacious mixing vessel, creating the foundational layer of this vibrant salad.
- Crumble the tangy feta cheese directly over the chickpeas, allowing irregular chunks to distribute naturally throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries across the surface, ensuring they are evenly scattered for consistent sweet-tart bursts in each bite.
- Finely dice the red onion into delicate slivers, adding a sharp, crisp element to the salad’s texture and flavor profile.
- Chop fresh parsley leaves, releasing their aromatic essence, and disperse them generously over the chickpea blend.
- If desired, toast the selected nuts until golden and fragrant, then roughly chop and incorporate them into the mixture.
- Create the zesty vinaigrette by whisking olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice, blending until the liquids emulsify smoothly.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup into the liquid base, adding a subtle sweetness to balance the vinaigrette’s acidity.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the dressing achieves a harmonious consistency.
- Gently cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the chickpea medley, using a careful folding motion to coat each ingredient thoroughly.
- Allow the salad to rest for approximately 10 minutes, permitting the flavors to intermingle and develop depth.
- Serve chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting as a refreshing standalone dish or versatile accompaniment.
Notes
- Boost protein intake by adding grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Swap feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to make the dish completely plant-based.
- Toast nuts just before adding to preserve their crisp texture and enhance their nutty flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop even more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg