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Lemon Quinoa & Chickpea Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 77 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Lemon Quinoa & Chickpea Salad combining protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas with crisp vegetables, tangy lemon juice, and a touch of garlic powder. Perfect as a light meal or side dish served warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Ingredients

Grains & Legumes

  • 1 cup dry quinoa (tri-color recommended)
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 cups cucumber, quartered and thinly sliced
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper (about 1 cup), diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 3/4 cup carrots, diced small
  • 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 – 1 cup parsley, chopped

Seasonings & Extras

  • 2 – 3 juicy lemons (about 1/4 – 1/3 cup), juice of
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa: Rinse the dry quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve under cool running water to remove its natural bitter coating.
  2. Cook quinoa: In a large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, remove the lid and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes off the heat. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot to cook the quinoa quickly.
  3. Prep vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables by quartering and slicing the cucumber thinly, dicing the bell pepper, halving the grape tomatoes, dicing the carrots, thinly slicing the scallions, and chopping the parsley.
  4. Assemble salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, scallions, bell pepper, tomatoes, and parsley. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with mineral salt, fresh cracked pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For an extra fresh burst, drizzle additional lemon juice on top before serving. Optionally, add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.

Notes

  • You can customize the seasoning to your preference. Trader Joe’s 21 Salute Seasoning mix is recommended but not required.
  • Other seasonings such as lemon pepper blend, thyme, basil, or cumin can be used to add varied flavor profiles.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator and can be served chilled, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.
  • Adding avocado slices enhances creaminess and nutritional value.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/lemon-quinoa-and-chickpea-salad-recipe/