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–+ servings

Lemon Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

Quinoa, chickpeas and diced carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, scallions, parsley, and big squeeze of lemon make this a light, well-balanced, healthy side or main dish!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 283
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup dry quinoa (I used tri-color)
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 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
  • 2 – 3 juicy lemons (about 1/4 – 1/3 cup), juice of
  • red pepper flakes, optional
  • mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa: In a fine mesh sieve rinse quinoa under cool running water.
  2. Cook quinoa: In a large pot, combine water, quinoa and garlic powder, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove cover and let set 10 – 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Alternatively, use this quick and easy Instant Pot Quinoa.
  3. Prep veggies: While the quinoa is cooking prep the veggies.
  4. Assemble salad: Once quinoa is ready, add the chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, scallions, bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice and spices, mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. I love serving mine with more lemon juice drizzled on top. Avocado slices would be a great addition too!
  6. Serves 3 – 4

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 50.4gProtein: 11.8gFat: 4.5gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 312.6mgFiber: 9.5gSugar: 6.4g

Notes

Rinsing the quinoa under cool running water before cooking is a crucial step that removes the bitter saponins coating the seeds. This not only enhances the nutty flavor of the quinoa but also ensures a clean-tasting base for the salad, allowing the bright lemon juice and fresh vegetables to shine.

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