Savory Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

This Savory Quinoa and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for a healthy lunch. Packed with protein and fiber, it combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the hearty texture of chickpeas and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Chickpeas (canned, drained) - 1 cup
• Cucumber (diced) - 1/2 cup
• Cherry tomatoes (halved) - 1/2 cup
• Red bell pepper (diced) - 1/2 cup
• Red onion (finely chopped) - 1/4 cup
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 1/4 cup
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) - 1 clove
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Feta cheese (crumbled) - 1/4 cup (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then cook it according to package instructions using 2 cups of water, bringing it to a boil and simmering for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion; halve the cherry tomatoes; and chop the parsley.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
6. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 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, supporting overall wellness.

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