Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining the creaminess of feta cheese with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy chickpeas, enhanced by fresh herbs and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or a flavorful side dish.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Salad:
- 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz.), drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pistachios
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium. Pat dry with a paper towel for better absorption of flavors.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cranberries, chopped herbs, and nuts. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and mix lightly to maintain its texture. If making ahead, add the feta just before serving for the best consistency.
Notes
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a salad, side dish, or stuffed into pita bread for a quick wrap.
- Customize by adding fresh cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, or spices to suit your taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, salmon, or cooked quinoa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: feta cranberry chickpeas salad, Mediterranean chickpea salad, healthy vegetarian salad, easy chickpea recipe, feta cheese salad