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Mediterranean Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
Experience the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant, protein-packed salad. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring fluffy quinoa, crunchy cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas. A bright, lemony dressing brings it all together. This salad is not only vegan and gluten-free, but it's also a nourishing option for lunch or a light dinner. For cheese lovers, adding feta lends an extra tangy kick.
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- 1 cup
- Water
- 2 cups
- Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces)
- Cucumber, diced
- 1 medium
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup
- Red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- First, rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This is to remove any bitterness from the quinoa's outer coating.
- Place the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other salad ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a tangy dressing.
- Once cooked, let the quinoa cool slightly before adding it to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss all the ingredients together to combine.
- You can serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed either way.
Tips
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced grilled chicken or tofu.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or sesame seeds on top.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Calories: 350 Fat: 14g Carbs: 45g Protein: 12g Sodium: 200mg Sugar: 6g
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