Description
This vibrant Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a no-cook, flavor-packed bowl of goodness that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, crisp veggies, and hearty chickpeas are tossed in a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette that tastes like sunshine. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or meal prep—it’s fresh, easy, and completely crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach (optional, for serving)
- For the Orange Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, dried cranberries, walnuts, celery, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss again to coat everything evenly.
Serve as-is or over a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens. For best flavor, chill for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, simply use maple syrup instead of honey.
To prep ahead, store the vinaigrette separately and combine just before serving.
Great with added quinoa, diced apples, or crumbled feta if you’re feeling creative!
The flavors get even better after a short rest in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chickpea salad, cranberry walnut salad, orange vinaigrette salad, quick healthy salad, vegan chickpea salad