Description
A vibrant and healthy Fall Chickpea Salad combining creamy avocado, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a light apple cider dressing. Perfect as a quick and satisfying lunch or side dish during the autumn 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 the rinsed chickpeas, chopped apple, avocado, fresh lemon juice, red onion, pecans (or walnuts), dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season the dressing with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures at their best.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the avocado and apples.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans depending on your preference or availability.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Add extra lemon juice to prevent avocado from browning if not serving immediately.
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
