Balsamic Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Salad with Quinoa

This Balsamic Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Salad with Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables with the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas and quinoa. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, it's a perfect meal for any time of year.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1/2 cup (90g)
• Chickpeas - 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed
• Bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 1 small, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons (45ml)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Salt - 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon (2g)
• Fresh parsley - 1/4 cup (15g), chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and carrot.
3. Add the drained chickpeas and minced garlic to the vegetable mixture.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. While the vegetables are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 1 cup (240ml) of water and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and combine it with the roasted vegetables and chickpeas in a large bowl.
9. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 64 g
• Fiber: 14 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas and quinoa.
• High in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.

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