Description
This Fall Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for an easy fall lunch or dinner. Combining chickpeas, crisp apple, creamy avocado, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light apple cider dressing, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that celebrate the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 15 ounces chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 large apple (chopped, Honeycrisp preferred)
- 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
- 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 rinsed chickpeas, chopped apple, avocado, lemon juice, red onion, nuts, dried cranberries, and if using, the crumbled feta or goat cheese. This creates a fresh base with varied textures.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until emulsified. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste preference.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to combine all ingredients and coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- This salad highlights a wonderful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory elements complimented by crunchy and creamy textures.
- Use a firm apple like Honeycrisp for the best crunch and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or other nuts based on preference or availability.
- Feta or goat cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free option.
- Serve immediately as avocado can brown and salad tastes best fresh.
- This dish makes a great light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
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
