Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Spinach

This Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Spinach is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish perfect for a late-night snack. The combination of wholesome ingredients creates a satisfying and healthy option that’s both filling and refreshing.

Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Spinach
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
380 kcal

Ingredients

  • Quinoa - 1 cup (170g)
  • Water - 2 cups (480ml)
  • Chickpeas - 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh spinach - 2 cups (60g), roughly chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (150g), halved
  • Cucumber - 1 medium (200g), diced
  • Red bell pepper - 1 medium (150g), diced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Garlic - 1 clove, minced
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g)
  • Feta cheese - 1/4 cup (40g), crumbled (optional)

Steps

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  7. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  8. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
  9. Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Carbs: 55 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas.
  • High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
  • Healthy fats from olive oil support heart health.

Tags

AmericanHealthyMidnight