Zesty Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

Zesty Quinoa and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the nuttiness of quinoa with the earthiness of chickpeas, all enhanced by a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a late-night snack or a healthy meal, this salad is both refreshing and filling.

Zesty Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Quinoa - 1 cup (170g)
  • Chickpeas (canned, drained) - 1 cup (240g)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved) - 1 cup (150g)
  • Cucumber (diced) - 1 medium (150g)
  • Red bell pepper (diced) - 1/2 medium (75g)
  • Red onion (finely chopped) - 1/4 medium (30g)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) - 1/4 cup (15g)
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Garlic (minced) - 1 clove
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Cumin powder - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Feta cheese (crumbled) - 50g (optional)

Steps

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups (500ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cumin in a small bowl.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
  4. Once the quinoa is cooked, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
  5. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 50 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

  • High in plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas.
  • Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

Tags

AmericanHealthyMidnight