Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas with Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together with a creamy lemon tahini vinaigrette. This dish is perfect as a light main or a flavorful side, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin as needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to mix all the flavors evenly.
- Make the lemon tahini vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat the salad ingredients well.
- Dress the salad: Pour the lemon tahini vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture and toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light main dish or a tasty side salad.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the thickness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less water to suit your preference.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of greens to make it more filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe (~250 g)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: chickpea salad, feta cheese, cranberry salad, lemon tahini dressing, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad