Description
A refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy vegetables, zesty lemon dressing, and savory chickpeas, perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains & Legumes
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
Vegetables
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh colander under cold water. Combine rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered and let it rest for 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy.
- Prepare Vegetables: While quinoa cooks, chop the red onion, yellow bell pepper, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the kalamata olives.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. Add the rinsed chickpeas and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors can blend harmoniously.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or feta cheese.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; add dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Feel free to swap basil with fresh parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Rinsing quinoa thoroughly is important to remove its natural bitter coating (saponin).
