Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad combining fresh spinach, hearty chickpeas, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired mardi gras (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs fresh spinach leaves, medium, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Step 4: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh spinach leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cold Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So simple and healthy. My kids even ate the spinach!
- ★★★★★
This salad was a hit at my Mardi Gras party! The citrus vinaigrette was bright and refreshing.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but I wish the vinaigrette had a bit more lemon.