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Easy Chickpea Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A vibrant serving of chickpea quinoa salad featuring quinoa, chickpeas, chopped cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, garnished with parsley.
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This recipe provides a simple, high protein, gluten free grain salad perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. It uses common pantry staples for a fresh, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa well under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and spread it on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
  4. While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables: combine the rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
  5. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  6. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it excellent for your work lunch prep.
  • For a different flavor, substitute the lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a more Mediterranean inspired quinoa dish.
  • If you want a protein boost, add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (if not keeping it vegan).
  • To make this recipe faster, use pre-cooked quinoa.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/chickpea-quinoa-salad-recipe/