Quinoa Chickpea Salad

This Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a delightful, nutrient-packed salad that combines wholesome quinoa with hearty chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing. The combination of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers adds a refreshing crunch, while cumin and smoked paprika add a hint of warmth and spice. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a meal prep option for busy days. It’s bright, colorful, and full of flavor!

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

• 120 grams cooked quinoa
• 80 grams cooked chickpeas
• 80 grams diced cucumber
• 80 grams diced cherry tomatoes
• 50 grams finely chopped red bell pepper
• 30 grams chopped red onion
• 30 grams chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Procedure:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Pour the dressing over the quinoa and chickpea mixture. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Serve immediately for a fresh, zesty flavor, or chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Calories: 488 kcal
• Protein: 30.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
• Fat: 39.3 g