Dinner

Chickpea Quinoa Salad Recipe

Name: Chickpea Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 English cucumber, chopped; ½ cup purple onion, diced; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; 3 cups chilled cooked quinoa; ⅓ cup freshly chopped parsley; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Bylina Carter January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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Introduction

This Chickpea Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and fluffy quinoa, it combines fresh vegetables and tangy feta for a bright, satisfying flavor.

A white bowl filled with five visible layers arranged side by side: light brown quinoa in a crumbly texture, bright green chopped parsley finely minced, beige round chickpeas, white crumbled cheese with a soft texture, purple diced red onions cut into small cubes, and green cucumber pieces with a smooth skin and light green inside cut into small chunks. Behind the bowl, there is a glass jar containing a yellowish dressing with visible herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 15oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 English cucumber, chopped

½ cup purple onion, diced
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

3 cups chilled cooked quinoa
⅓ cup freshly chopped parsley

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sugar
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped cucumber, diced purple onion, crumbled feta cheese, chilled quinoa, and chopped parsley.
Step 2: In a small mason jar or bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve for the best flavor and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts just before serving.

Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture and tangy twist.
Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and sweetness.
Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter dressing flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad absorbs too much dressing over time, you can add a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a colorful quinoa salad made of three main layers: the base layer of light beige quinoa grains, scattered with diced green cucumber chunks and small pieces of purple onion, mixed with light beige chickpeas and green herbs. On top, a golden brown dressing is being poured from a small clear mason jar by a woman's hand with pink painted nails. Two wooden salad spoons rest inside the bowl, partly submerged in the salad. The setting includes a white marbled textured surface beneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep it chilled and toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.