Chickpeas are the base of this colorful summer salad, which is packed with seasonal flavor. Serve this simple Cherry-Balsamic Chickpea Salad as a delicious vegetarian side or light meal.
Some of you may recall that back in the early days of this blog, I was (mostly) vegetarian. *insert look of shock* This is one of the recipes I used to make quite often back in those days. It was originally published June 30, 2011, but I’ve reworked it and taken new pictures for this post.
While I was eating a plant-based diet, the most common question I received was about protein. As someone who was (and still is) passionate about fitness, and specifically into lifting weights, protein intake is something I’m incredibly conscious of. I mean… I just wrote a post about how much protein you need post-workout.
Vegetarian proteins aren’t hard to find these days. My favorites include:
- Beans/legumes
- Tofu/tempeh
- Dairy (Greek yogurt and cottage cheese)
- Protein powder
- Eggs
One of my go-to sources of protein – vegetarian or not – is the main ingredient in my favorite dip. BUT chickpeas are good for more than just hummus. They make a great base for a salad. Their protein content adds some stay-power to a salad, plus they add texture. Chickpeas also taste good with just about any flavor combo. It’s like the vegetarian chicken!
In true #strangebutgood fashion, I created this salad with some unusual flavor pairings – cherries, balsamic, mint, and basil.
Good-quality balsamic vinegar has a tart-yet-rich flavor that makes it a perfect mate to just about any fruit. In this recipe, a quick simmer in balsamic enhances the sweetness of the cherries, and creates a deliciously syrupy sauce for the salad.
Toss your cherries and chickpeas with some fresh herbs and creamy goat cheese, and this salad will be the most decadent 10 minute lunch you’ll ever make. At least, it’s the most decadent 10 minute lunch I’ve ever made.
This is also easily customizable. If you don’t have cherries, try it with strawberries or peaches. Want to bulk it up for dinner? Make extra of the balsamic-glazed berries to use as a glaze for pork tenderloin. Leave out the cheese to make it vegan. The possibilities are endless!
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Cherry Balsamic Chickpea Salad
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Keywords: saute salad entree side gluten-free low-carb low-sodium low-sugar vegan vegetarian cherries chickpeas cheese goat cheese
Ingredients (2-4 servings)
- 1 C cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
- 2 C spinach
- 1 C cucumber, chopped
- Juice of a lime
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 C mint, chiffonade
- 1/4 C basil, chiffonade
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place cherries in a pan over medium heat. Once warmed, add the balsamic. Allow to cook until balsamic forms a reduction and the cherry halves soften (~7-8 mins).
Meanwhile, place the chickpeas in a bowl and give them a rough mash – just enough so that about half the peas are smashed. Mix in the cucumber and lime juice.
Remove the cherries from heat and toss with spinach. (I did this directly in the pan, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.) Set aside, allowing to cool slightly.
Add the cherry mixture to the chickpeas, tossing with the herbs and seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
Top with crumbled goat cheese (I used Cypress Grove’s Purple Haze, a chèvre laced with lavender and fennel pollen).
Joining Deborah and Sarah for the Meatless Monday link up!
***
I should make extra to prepare for my knee for surgery Friday. It’s not that I don’t trust Vegas to feed me, but… 😉
What’s your favorite meatless protein source?
Are you a fruit + balsamic fan?
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
This recipe sounds sooo good! I love balsamic.. and cherries.. and chickpeans. That is a winner in my book!
I get protein from chicken, nuts, and yogurts! And cottage cheese!
Heather says
I usually have lentils and quinoa in my cabinet as a staple and LOVE PB and cottage cheese. really good article! I tried black cherry sauce on salmon, OMG!
Laura says
I totally forgot lentils – I love them!
Kelly says
Hi Laura, what a delicious looking salad – the cherries and chickpeas are a great pairing and I like the hint of mint. Lovely!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
ohh I love the look of the warmed cherries mm mm mm! 🙂
I love any info that helps us eat well on a budget because my recent attempts to cut back on food spending have failed! Must keep trying… 😛
Allie says
Chickpea salads are so great 🙂
briarrose says
I am so addicted to chick peas. The salad looks like it would hit the spot.
Meri says
When I’m being “good?” lentils, chickpeas, red beans and nuts are my favorite protein sources. Also, these eggplant “meat”balls by the brand Dominex. They are incredible.
When I want an excuse to eat a candy bar? clif bars, luna bars, and similar granola bars with soy protein in them… not cost effective, probably not super healthy, but so good…
And I do like both chickpeas and cherries- so watch out salad!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I get asked how I get my protein all the time!
I’ve never put fresh cherries in a salad before, but that sounds amazing! I always have dried cherries around, so those are usually my salad toppers 🙂
Laura says
Ture story! That place is magical.
Cait's Plate says
Oh man that whole salad looks so beautiful 🙂
Simply Life says
YUM! what a perfect, healthy salad!
holly (the healthy everythingtarian) says
this salad is a mix of all my fave things! looks delish my dear!!
Hannah says
I’ve recently become rather obsessed with protein, as my body seems to be craving it but, like you, I prefer not to eat meat when I’m at home. Love the balsamic cherry pairing!
Parsley Sage says
We go through chickpeas in our house like they’re going out of style. Mostly in salads like this. Great idea with the balsamic vinegar…proly rock that with my strawberries cause I haven’t seen a cherry one at the grocery store yet. Great post! Buzzed 🙂
janet @ the taste space says
This looks great! I made a similar salad with strawberries, reduced balsamic vinegar, edamame and asparagus overtop baby greens which was phenomenal. This looks superb as well. 🙂
Val says
That looks like one delicious salad!
Maria says
This looks amazing – thank you for posting! I’m trying to come up with interesting veg combos for dinners and this is right up my alley while offering something new – I’ve never done a cherry balsamic reduction! So cool.
Heather McClees says
Ok, so this is freaky! I shared a cherry recipe today, too. It’s like we are on the same food trend wave this month! 😂 Love the combo of cherries and chickpeas! That’s brilliant! And what a refreshing idea for summer. Hops you are doing well!
Laura says
I loved your recipe too! I’m all about getting all the fresh cherry deliciousness I can while they’re in season.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Love fruit and balsamic together! Next step? Add shrimp!
Laura says
Ohhhh… I was going pork, but I’ll see you a shrimp and raise you a scallop!
Carrie this fit chick says
Oh ya! Totally on board with this combo. I love chickpeas, but don’t do enough with them. Fav non meat protein is eggs or beans!
Laura says
Eggs are my go-to as well!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I love chick peas in everything love the idea of adding cherries! hope you will join our meatless Monday
Laura says
Thanks for the invite – I did join. 🙂
Kate says
chickpeas also are a favorite snack food in my family – roasted or plain.
Laura says
I need to make a bunch of roasted – they’re such a great snack!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I puffy heart chickpeas and I feel like this salad is screaming my name. I need this in my life.
Laura says
This is right up your alley. I recommend extra cheese.
Cyndi says
Warmed cherries with balsamic sounds so good! Chickpeas are one of my favorites. Sounds like a great combo.
Laura says
Thank you! We really loved it. 🙂
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
Cherries, chickpeas and goat cheese? Girllll you know all of my favorites! 🙂
Laura says
I’m pretty sure I’d eat these ingredients in anything!
Mary says
I think I’m addicted to chickpeas. I know that might sound crazy but it’s so true. If I’m not careful I will open a can and eat the entire thing in one sitting. I know there are worst things I can do but it’s still a little worrisome. My goal is to find and make delicious recipes where chickpeas are the star and that’s exactly what this recipe is. You read my mind, Laura!!
Laura says
LOL! That’s no crazier than my addiction to prosciutto. I can’t stop at once slice. The whole bag will be dominated.
Debra Eliotseats says
Love chickpeas and I love the addition of cherries. I’ve got a cherry pasta salad recipe back in my archives but I love this one so much that the next cherries we purchase will go into this salad! (I do love balsamic on everything…including fruit.)
Laura says
Awwww… thank you! I’d love to hear how you enjoy it!
lindsay Cotter says
I bet megan would like this dish too! I totally forgot you were veg back then! I do remember you at a lot TVP! haha!
Okay, so knee surgery was or is this Friday?! I am not confused. either way, eat more cherries!
Laura says
LOL! I did get on a TVP kick. I still love it… Vegas just won’t tolerate it. *eye roll* LOL!
It IS this Friday. Did I not proofread? Again…*insert another eye roll*
Cora says
Oh man this sounds devinnne!!! I really need to splurge on some cherries. Cherries and balsamic just sounds like an amazing combo. I’m always so astonished by the amount of protein in cottage cheese. It shocks me every time
Laura says
thank you! They were on sale last week and I pounced.
Cottage cheese is a go-to for us too. I like mine with hot sauce.
Sam @ Bites of Wellness says
You had me at cherry balsamic! Legit can’t go wrong with that combo. I keep avoiding buying fresh cherries (organic) because I know I’ll give myself a stomach ache eating them all at once!
Laura says
You sound like me and grapes – I can’t be trusted!
Patrick@looneyforfood.com says
This is going to be made this week! i love chickpeas and cherries are in season for like another week so i have been making all things cherry! I just made a cauliflower cherry salad (and stunk up my fridge with cauliflower yet again)
Laura says
YAY! I’d love to hear how you like it. That cauliflower sounds amazing. True on the smell of the cauli though. *shudder*
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Yum! I love chickpeas too. For some odd reason my hubby doesn’t love them though – ugh – so I don’t use them in my dinners that often, unless I want to see him pick them out of a meal one by one (he legit does that!). Luckily he’s good with hummus. But I’ve got to try this salad!
Laura says
He may have Vegas beat on the pickiness… though she won’t even act like she’s going to tolerate a meatless dinner. 😉