Description
Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is a vibrant, protein-packed quinoa salad made with fresh veggies, zesty lemon, and nourishing herbs. Perfect as an anti-inflammatory lunch or meal prep dinner, this plant-based recipe is light, gluten-free, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Whole Grains and Protein:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 ¾ cups water (or vegetable broth)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
Lemon Herb Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit off heat, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool.
- Prepare Veggies: While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, chop parsley and mint, and finely dice red onion. Rinse chickpeas.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss well.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance flavor.
- Keep dressing separate if storing for more than 2 days to maintain texture.
- Optional add-ins: avocado, feta, olives, roasted red pepper, or arugula.
- This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas, Quinoa Salad, Anti-Inflammation Lunch, Vegan Quinoa Recipes, Chickpea Quinoa Salad