Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Spinach

This Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Spinach is a wholesome, satisfying dish perfect for a healthy midnight snack. It's packed with flavor and nutrition, combining the earthiness of roasted vegetables with the protein of chickpeas and the goodness of quinoa and spinach.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup (180 g)
• Chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed) - 1 cup (240 g)
• Spinach (fresh) - 2 cups (60 g)
• Bell pepper (red or yellow, diced) - 1 medium (150 g)
• Zucchini (diced) - 1 medium (150 g)
• Carrot (peeled and diced) - 1 medium (100 g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon (2 g)
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon (2 g)
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons (8 g)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then cook it in a saucepan with 2 cups (480 ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and fresh spinach. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, then mix well.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and spinach, supporting overall wellness.

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