Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

ByHannah Peterson

Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and savory. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp fresh vegetables, this easy vegan salad is tossed in a bright citrus orange vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully.

It’s a quick, healthy plant-based recipe perfect for meal prep, holiday tables, or a refreshing everyday lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Salad

  • High-protein vegan salad
  • Ready in under 15 minutes
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Naturally dairy-free & gluten-free
  • Sweet and savory flavor combination

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens (optional)

For the Orange Vinaigrette

  • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad

  1. Prepare the vinaigrette
    Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  2. Assemble the salad
    In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, cucumber, and green onions.
  3. Toss & serve
    Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to deepen flavor.

Tips for the Best Chickpea Salad

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for maximum flavor
  • Toast walnuts for extra crunch
  • Let it chill before serving for enhanced taste
  • Add avocado for creaminess

Variations

  • Add quinoa for a heartier meal
  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds
  • Add feta-style vegan cheese
  • Make it oil-free by replacing olive oil with blended orange segments

Storage

  • Store in airtight container up to 4 days
  • Great for weekly meal prep lunches
  • Flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge

Perfect For

  • Healthy vegan lunches
  • Holiday side dishes
  • Plant-based meal prep
  • Protein-packed salads

Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad, Vegan Chickpea Salad Recipe, chickpea salad with orange vinaigrette, healthy plant-based salad, high protein vegan salad, easy vegan lunch idea

Similar Posts