Savory Quinoa Salad

This Savory Quinoa Salad is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for a light dinner. The combination of quinoa, chickpeas, and vibrant greens makes it a satisfying choice for any meal.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup (170g)
• Water - 2 cups (480ml)
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (150g), halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium (200g), diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium (150g), diced
• Chickpeas - 1 cup (150g), canned, drained and rinsed
• Red onion - 1/4 cup (40g), finely chopped
• Parsley - 1/4 cup (15g), chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g)

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, chickpeas, red onion, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
7. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.48 L

Health Benefits

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

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