Description
This Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish combining fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, all brought together by a zesty lemon-dill dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1½ cups cucumber, quartered and sliced
- 2 bell peppers, small diced (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup carrot, small diced (about 2 medium carrots)
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 19 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, cook the quinoa according to the package directions until fluffy and tender. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables and Chickpeas: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then place all these vegetables and chickpeas in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, sea salt, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
- Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Notes
- Ensure quinoa is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to use any color bell peppers or a mix for more vibrant presentation.
- You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a non-vegan option.
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste after chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
