Description
A fresh and zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas recipe that is packed with protein and vibrant flavors. This easy-to-make dish combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy bell peppers, and chickpeas with a bright lemon-herb dressing, perfect for a wholesome lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressings and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin.
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes; then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare Vegetables: While quinoa is cooking, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley. Mix gently.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- For extra protein, add some crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor while cooking quinoa.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or warmed up.
- To make it vegan, ensure the broth and all added ingredients are plant-based.
- Try adding chopped cucumber or cherry tomatoes for added freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Simmering, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon herb quinoa, quinoa salad, chickpea salad, vegetarian protein salad, Mediterranean quinoa, healthy quinoa recipe
