Feta & Cranberry Chickpeas Recipe – Tangy Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Feta & Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Vinaigrette is a bright, protein-rich salad that’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a flavorful side dish. Creamy chickpeas are tossed with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired bowl. It’s quick to make, naturally vegetarian, and packed with texture and flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temperature—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving platter or bowls
Ingredients
Salad Base:
- 1½ cups canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or arugula
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or mint
- Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas: Rinse and drain chickpeas. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice red onion, crumble feta, and measure cranberries. Optional: chop greens or herbs.
- Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss chickpeas, onion, cranberries, and feta. Pour vinaigrette over and mix gently.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow salad to rest for 15–30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled, at room temperature, or over greens. Garnish with herbs or seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use block feta for creamier texture and richer flavor.
- For vegan version, substitute plant-based feta or omit cheese.
- Add grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal.
- Swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds or dried cherries.
- Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately.