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 and Lentils and Spinach and Lentils

This vibrant Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is a wholesome blend of lentils, spinach, and chickpeas, offering a nutritious midnight snack that’s both satisfying and energizing. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a delightful dish that brings comfort without the heaviness of traditional late-night meals.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Cooked lentils - 1/2 cup
• Chickpeas (canned, drained) - 1/2 cup
• Fresh spinach - 2 cups (packed)
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, diced
• Red onion - 1/4, finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

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 heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: chop the spinach, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chickpeas, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dressing.
5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before adding it to the vegetable mixture.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your nutritious vegetable and quinoa salad!

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and aiding digestion.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, supporting overall health.

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