Description
A vibrant and refreshing summer salad featuring protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy walnuts, tangy dried cranberries, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette. This easy no-cook recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the drained chickpeas, chopped fresh spinach, dried cranberries, roughly chopped walnuts, and finely diced red onion until everything is well distributed.
- Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Optional Chilling: For best flavor development, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the dressing to meld with the ingredients, or serve immediately if preferred.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with extra chopped walnuts or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the vinaigrette to maximize flavor.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey.
- For added protein, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese if not keeping vegan.
- Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Great as a light lunch or a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
