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avors for a wholesome side or light main Recipe

Fall Arugula Salad with Cinnamon Chickpeas

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5.1 from 26 reviews

A vibrant fall-inspired salad featuring crisp apples, peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and spiced roasted chickpeas. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors for a wholesome side or light main dish.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas:

  • 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 small apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry with a paper towel.
  2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
  3. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine arugula, apples, walnuts, cranberries, and cheese (if using).
  5. Add cinnamon roasted chickpeas on top, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently before serving.

Notes

  • Chickpeas are best served freshly roasted for crunch but can be roasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Swap walnuts with pecans for another fall-friendly flavor.
  • Use pear slices instead of apples for variation.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting, Tossing
  • Cuisine: American, Seasonal
  • Diet: Vegetarian