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Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Vegetables

A nutritious, colorful salad packed with protein from chickpeas and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables, perfect for summer picnics or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegan
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Quinoa and Cooking
  • 1 cup dried quinoa (rinsed) Look for organic or rainbow quinoa for added color.
  • 1.75 cups water To cook the quinoa.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup edamame (shelled) Fresh or frozen works perfectly.
  • 1 can chickpeas (14oz, drained and rinsed) Packed with fiber and flavor.
  • 1.5 cups English cucumber, chopped Refreshing and hydrating!
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped Sweet and crunchy.
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half For sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup red onion, diced Adds sharpness; substitute green onions if preferred.
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional) Brightens the dish.
Dressing
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adjust based on preference.
  • 2 medium lemons, juice of Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or stone ground mustard For depth and tang.
  • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional) Adds richness.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Always adjust to suit your palate.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under running water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 ¾ cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat, uncover and let it stand for another 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, combine all dressing ingredients (lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt/pepper) in a small bowl. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Let sit to meld flavors.
  3. Chop the English cucumber, yellow bell pepper, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Add these vegetables and shelled edamame to a large bowl.
Combining
  1. Once quinoa is fluffed, add it to the large bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.
  2. Enjoy immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Storage
  1. Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.

Notes

Make sure to rinse quinoa to avoid bitterness. Salad tastes better the next day. Ideal for meal prep.