Bulgur, Chickpea, Cranberry Salad

Serves 4 to 6

Bulgur, Chickpea, and Cranberry Salad

This lovely, bright, and nourishing Bulgur, Chickpea, and Cranberry Salad is ideal for a picnic lunch, potluck, or side dish. Bulgur may sound weird, but it's just another name for cracked wheat and it cooks in just a few minutes! Considered a healthy whole grain, bulgur has a light, nutty flavor and delightful texture. And let's not overlook the all-important fiber it will add to your diet. Substitute quinoa or couscous and the result will be just as tasty.

The process to make this salad is simple: Boil the water, add the bulgur, and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Add dried cranberries, chickpeas, scallions, and your favorite nuts or seeds. Mix up the simple oil-free vinaigrette and enjoy! Add fresh spinach or salad greens for an extra delicious dish.

Look for bulgur near the rice and grains in your local grocery store.

What You'll Need

For the Salad

1 ½ cups bulgur

1 ¾ cups water

Pinch of salt

1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped into small pieces

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds

⅓ cup dried cranberries

⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley

Salad greens, for serving, optional

For the Dressing

¼ cup orange juice

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Juice from one lemon

½ teaspoon salt

How to Make It

1. In a medium pot with a lid, boil the water and add a pinch of salt.

2. Add the bulgur, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the bulgur is tender. Remove from the heat and keep covered and continue to steam it.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.

4. Transfer the bulgur from the pot to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the bulgur with the vinaigrette and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. Mix in the cucumber, chickpeas, cranberries, nuts, and parsley. Taste and adjust the flavors by adding more lemon juice or salt.

6. Serve immediately or chill.