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Feta & Cranberry Chickpea Salad

This feta and cranberry chickpea salad is a delicious, protein-packed dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. With creamy feta, chewy dried cranberries, crisp cucumbers, and hearty chickpeas, it’s tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Perfect for quick lunches, healthy side dishes, or meal prepping, this salad is easy to make, highly customizable, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or as a side to your favorite main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

  • 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the lemon vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, feta cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, parsley, cucumber, and walnuts if using.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the salad without the dressing and store it separately. Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed within 24-48 hours. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Vegan Option: Replace feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan feta.
  • Crunch Factor: If you love extra crunch, add walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
  • Protein Boost: Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa to make it even heartier.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve as a main dish, side salad, or in a whole wheat wrap for an easy grab-and-go meal.