Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• ½ a small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
• ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, for a creamy, tangy finish)

For the Zesty Orange Vinaigrette

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a mason jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is creamy and fully emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas, finely chopped celery, thinly sliced red onion, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
3. Add Greens and Dress: Add the baby spinach or mixed greens to the bowl. Drizzle your desired amount of the zesty orange vinaigrette over the top.
4. Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is lightly coated in the dressing. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top. Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or portion it into individual bowls.
5. Enjoy: This salad is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste and crunchiest texture. However, you can also chill it for 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

✨ Tips & Variations

• Nut Swaps: Not a fan of walnuts? Toasted pecans or slivered almonds work wonderfully as a substitute, offering a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Go Peppery: For a bold, peppery kick, swap the baby spinach for fresh arugula.
• Add a Fruity Burst: Enhance the salad’s brightness by adding fresh orange segments or a sprinkle of jewel-like pomegranate arils.
• Make it a Heartier Meal: To transform this salad into a more substantial main course, top it with slices of grilled chicken, seared salmon, or shrimp.
• Meal-Prep Perfection: To prepare this salad for lunches, layer the ingredients in a mason jar. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the chickpeas, onion, celery, cranberries, and walnuts. Top with the greens and cheese. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar to combine and enjoy!