Description
This Fall Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring chickpeas, apple, avocado, nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese, all tossed in a zesty apple cider dressing. Perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner, it showcases a delightful mix of textures and sweet, tangy flavors that celebrate the tastes of autumn.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 15 ounces chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 large apple (chopped, preferably Honeycrisp)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the chickpeas, chopped apple, avocado, fresh lemon juice, red onion, nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese if using, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until emulsified. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture, gently stirring to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad right away for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- This salad combines crunchy, sweet, creamy, and tangy elements that complement each other perfectly.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans or goat cheese for feta based on your preference or availability.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Add more lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you prefer a tangier dressing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; however, avoid making it too far in advance as avocado may brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 88 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
