Description
This vibrant and nutritious salad combines crisp lettuce, protein-packed chickpeas, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tossed with a light, zesty dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an ideal side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
• 4 cups mixed lettuce (romaine, arugula, or baby spinach)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned, drained, and rinsed)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), roughly chopped
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed lettuce, chickpeas, dried cranberries, nuts, and red onion.
2. If using, crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
• For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
• Store leftover salad dressing separately and toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lettuce salad, chickpea salad, cranberry nuts salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, protein-packed salad