Crispy Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Lentils and Spinach and Carrots

This Crispy Vegetable and Quinoa Salad combines the nutty flavors of quinoa with protein-packed chickpeas and lentils, all tossed with fresh spinach and vibrant carrots for a refreshing midnight meal. Packed with nutrients and crunch, it's the perfect healthy dish to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Crispy Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Lentils and Spinach and Carrots
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Quinoa - 100 grams
  • Chickpeas - 120 grams (cooked)
  • Lentils - 100 grams (cooked)
  • Fresh spinach - 100 grams
  • Carrots - 2 medium (about 150 grams), grated
  • Red bell pepper - 1 medium (about 150 grams), diced
  • Cucumber - 1 small (about 100 grams), diced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)

Steps

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh sieve. In a small saucepan, combine quinoa with 200 ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, fresh spinach, grated carrots, diced red bell pepper, and diced cucumber.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika to create the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 70 g
  • Fiber: 15 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from quinoa, chickpeas, and lentils.
  • High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

Tags

AmericanHealthyMidnight