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

This vibrant Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is a hearty blend of colorful vegetables, protein-packed lentils, and chickpeas, making it the perfect healthy midnight snack. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it's a refreshing and satisfying dish that will keep you energized through the night.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup (200g)
• Water - 2 cups (480ml)
• Spinach - 2 cups (60g), fresh, chopped
• Chickpeas - 1 cup (160g), canned, rinsed and drained
• Cooked lentils - 1 cup (200g), canned or pre-cooked
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium (120g), diced
• Cucumber - 1 medium (150g), diced
• Red onion - 1/2 small (50g), finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Garlic - 1 clove (5g), minced
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (3g), or to taste
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g), or to taste
• Feta cheese - 1/4 cup (40g), crumbled (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce 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, then fluff with a fork.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, chickpeas, cooked lentils, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, and red onion.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, supporting overall health.

Tags