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

This vibrant Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, spinach, and chickpeas, making it a perfect healthy midnight snack. It's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, ensuring you feel satisfied without the guilt.

Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lentils and Spinach and Chickpeas and Lentils and Spinach and Lentils and Spinach and Lentils and Spinach and Lentils
25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Quinoa - 1 cup (170g)
  • Water - 2 cups (480ml)
  • Canned chickpeas - 1 cup (240g), drained and rinsed
  • Cooked lentils - 1 cup (200g)
  • Fresh spinach - 2 cups (60g), chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (150g), halved
  • Cucumber - 1 medium (150g), diced
  • Red bell pepper - 1 medium (150g), diced
  • Red onion - 1/4 medium (40g), finely chopped
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g)
  • Feta cheese (optional) - 1/4 cup (40g), crumbled

Steps

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
  3. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool slightly before adding it to the vegetable mixture along with the drained chickpeas and cooked lentils.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.
  5. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Divide the salad into two bowls and enjoy your nutritious midnight dish.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Carbs: 62 g
  • Fiber: 16 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas, supporting muscle health.
  • High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

Tags

AmericanHealthyMidnight