Description
This high-protein quinoa salad with chickpeas and feta is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s packed with nutrients and perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add feta and parsley: Gently stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to this salad.
- If you don’t have Kalamata olives, any pitted black or green olive will work.
- Adjust the lemon juice and seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (for assembly), Cooked (for quinoa)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 500mg
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Fiber: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 20mg