Description
A vibrant and healthy Fall Chickpea Salad bursting with seasonal flavors, featuring crisp apple, creamy avocado, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy apple cider dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad combines nutritious ingredients with a delightful texture and bright taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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 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 rinsed chickpeas, chopped apple, chopped avocado, fresh lemon juice, chopped red onion, nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese if using. This creates a base with a variety of textures and flavors.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. Season with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine all elements evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the apple and creaminess of the avocado.
- Feta or goat cheese adds a tangy flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or other nuts of your choice.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount in the dressing if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy profile.
- Use lemon juice on avocado to prevent browning and add brightness.
- This salad makes a great quick, healthy lunch or a light dinner option during the fall season.
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
