Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
This Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a light and nutrient-dense meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It's easy to prepare and ideal for a healthy, balanced diet.
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas ((drained and rinsed))
- 1 cup cherry tomatos ((halved))
- 1 cucumber ((diced))
- 1 red bell pepper ((diced))
- 1/4 red onion ((finely chopped))
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley ((chopped))
- 1/4 cup fresh mint ((chopped))
- 1 cup feta
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup ((or honey))
- 1 clove garlic ((minced))
- 2-3 tbsp water ((to thin, if needed))
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp pepper
- 1 1/2 lemons ((for lemon juice))
- Cook the quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Then in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
- Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint. Then,Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.