Anti-Inflammatory Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad

The Anti-Inflammatory Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette has refreshing and bold flavors. We prepare this chickpea salad with dried cranberries, walnuts, cucumber, red onion, baby spinach, fresh parsley, chickpeas, and optional feta cheese. There are 420 kcal and 12g protein content. We make this chickpea salad in just 15 minutes. The Anti-Inflammatory Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette can be refrigerated for 3 days. Serve this chickpea salad with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter, Quinoa Pilaf, Whole Grain Pita Bread with Hummus, or Roasted Vegetable Bowls.

STATS:

• Course: Salad, Main Dish
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Anti-Inflammatory
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cook time: Zero minutes
• Portion size: 1.5 cups
• Cooking mode: No-cook
• Total servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total time: 15 minutes

TOOLS:

• Bowl
• Citrus juicer
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Salad tongs

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups chickpeas
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup parsley
• 1/3 cup feta cheese

ORANGE VINAIGRETTE:

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Apple cider vinegar, one tbsp.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Black pepper
• 1 tsp honey
• Two tbsp. olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS

CHICKPEAS:

• We have to utilize chickpeas, as they will provide a protein-rich foundation and nutty flavor. As a replacement, you can use cooked edamame, black beans, or white beans.

CRANBERRIES:

• Use the cranberries to improve immune health and give a sweet-tart flavor. You can also use dried cherries or sliced dates.

TURMERIC:

• Turmeric has significant anti-inflammatory effects and could be utilized to add color. Turmeric root, paste, or extract can be used in its place.

HONEY:

• We may utilize honey, as it will make this chickpea salad sweeter and thicker. It also aids in balancing this ice cream’s strong flavors. You can switch it out with date, maple, or agave syrup.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Stir the spinach, cranberries, parsley, chickpeas, red onion, walnuts, and cucumber in a dish.
2. Carefully whisk to equally distribute all the components.
3. Mix the black pepper, orange juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, honey, and turmeric in a different dish till they are emulsified.
4. Spread the vinaigrette on the salad.
5. Whisk perfectly till each component is uniformly coated.
6. Cool the salad for about ten minutes till the flavors have melded.
7. Include the feta cheese on the surface and then serve it.

TIPS:

• Avoid omitting the parsley, as fresh herbs improve the flavors.
• Gently toast the walnuts to get a crunchy and deep flavor.
• Include grilled tofu or quinoa for an additional protein.
• Before mixing, refrigerate the chickpeas to get a fresh salad.
• Include the dressing to prevent soggy greens.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

SIDES:

• Grilled chicken skewers
• Lemon herb baked salmon
• Warm pita bread
• Roasted eggplant
• Olive and feta mezze platter

LUNCHES:

• Quinoa and roasted vegetable bowl
• Avocado toast
• Cucumber yogurt raita
• Lentil soup
• Steamed broccoli

DINNERS:

• Garlic butter grilled shrimp
• Herb-roasted turkey breast slices
• Pan-seared tofu
• Baked chicken breast
• Hard-boiled eggs

FRESH SIDES:

• Watermelon and mint salad
• Cold pasta salad
• Mango salsa
• Chilled cucumber gazpacho
• Berry smoothie bowl

COMFORT SIDES:

• Sweet potato wedges
• Brown rice pilaf
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Baked zucchini fries
• Whole grain flatbread

STORAGE INFORMATION

FRIDGE:

• Keep this chickpea salad in a closed bowl for about three days.

FREEZER:

• We do not suggest storing this chickpea salad, as the dressing and fresh veggies will separate.

FAQs:

Can we prepare this chickpea salad without oil?

• Yes, you can use vegetable broth or additional orange juice instead of olive oil.

Will we prepare this chickpea salad earlier?

• Yes, you can make this chickpea salad earlier without dressing, as it refrigerates perfectly for only 3 days.

Is this chickpea salad a great way to lose weight?

• Yes, as this chickpea salad has protein and fiber content.

Which ingredients will make this chickpea salad anti-inflammatory?

• You can use citrus, turmeric, olive oil, and walnuts to aid in decreasing the inflammation.

May we utilize canned chickpeas?

• Sure, you can strain the chickpeas perfectly and then wash them.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 420 kcal

Sodium: 220 mg

Net carbs: 45 g

Fiber: 11 g

Sugar: 14 g

Fats: 18 g

Proteins: 12 g

Portion size: 1.5 cups

Total carbs: 56 g