High Protein Quinoa Chickpea Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant, protein-packed salad with fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and hearty chickpeas. A nutritious, flavorful meal.

# Components:

→ Grains & Legumes

01 - 1 cup quinoa
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cucumber, diced
05 - ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

→ Dairy

06 - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Preparation steps:

01 - Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
02 - While the quinoa is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the fresh herbs.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chopped herbs, and crumbled feta cheese.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a colder, more refreshing salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This salad proves that healthy food can be incredibly satisfying and full of texture
  • It keeps beautifully for days making it perfect for meal prep or busy weekdays
02 -
  • Letting the quinoa cool slightly before mixing prevents the vegetables from wilting
  • The salad tastes even better after sitting for an hour so do not be afraid to make it ahead
03 -
  • Toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2 minutes before cooking adds a wonderful nutty flavor
  • Letting the dressed salad rest for 15 minutes before serving helps the flavors marry properly
Return