This Feta & Cranberry Chickpea Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor! The creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and hearty chickpeas come together in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, making this dish perfect as a side, light meal, or meal prep option.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

✔ 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed (protein-packed & fiber-rich!) 🥣
✔ ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (adds a creamy, tangy touch!) 🧀
✔ ⅓ cup dried cranberries (for a hint of sweetness!) 🍒
✔ ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (adds a crisp, sharp flavor!) 🧅
✔ ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness & a pop of color!) 🌿

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For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

✔ ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (smooth & heart-healthy!) 🛢️
✔ 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (bright & zesty!) 🍋
✔ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth & creaminess!) 🥄
✔ 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (balances the acidity!) 🍯
✔ 1 clove garlic, minced (bold flavor boost!) 🧄
✔ ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors!) 🧂
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a subtle kick!) 🌿

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chickpeas

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water.
• Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

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2️⃣ Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  ✅ Olive oil
  ✅ Fresh lemon juice
  ✅ Dijon mustard
  ✅ Honey (or maple syrup)
  ✅ Minced garlic, salt, and black pepper
• Whisk until well combined, then set aside.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  ✅ Chickpeas
  ✅ Crumbled feta cheese
  ✅ Dried cranberries
  ✅ Finely chopped red onion
  ✅ Fresh parsley
• Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well coated.

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4️⃣ Let It Marinate & Serve

• For best flavor, let the salad sit for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing bite!

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🍽️ How to Enjoy This Chickpea Salad

✔ As a Side Dish – Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or falafel! 🍗🐟
✔ Stuffed in a Wrap or Pita – Makes a delicious vegetarian sandwich filling! 🌯
✔ Over a Bed of Greens – Serve on spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a hearty salad! 🥗
✔ As a Meal Prep Option – Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge—great for make-ahead lunches! 🍱

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🛠️ Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make Ahead: The flavors deepen over time—tastes even better the next day!
• Add Fresh Greens Before Serving – If storing, add greens like arugula or spinach right before eating to keep them fresh.

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💖 Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe!

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients! ⏳
✔ Nutritious & High in Protein – Chickpeas provide fiber, protein, and long-lasting energy! 💪
✔ Sweet, Tangy, & Savory in Every Bite – The perfect balance of flavors! 🍋🧀🍒
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week! 🍱

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This Feta & Cranberry Chickpea Salad is light, fresh, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors! Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a healthy meal prep option, or a protein-packed vegetarian meal, this salad hits all the right notes! 😍

💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️🔥🥗🍋