Description
A fresh and vibrant Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas salad that combines fluffy quinoa, protein-packed chickpeas, and bright, zesty lemon with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes. This easy and healthy dish is perfect as a light meal or side, featuring a simple lemon and olive oil dressing that enhances every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains & Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness and impurities before cooking.
- Cook Quinoa: In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Turn off the heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Chickpeas: While the quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly.
- Prep Vegetables: Chop fresh parsley finely, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, chopped parsley, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the lemon dressing over the top and toss everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the quinoa salad immediately for a fresh taste, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
Notes
- This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold depending on your preference.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- For added texture, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds.
- Make sure to rinse quinoa well to avoid any bitter aftertaste.
- This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
