Quinoa with Chickpeas

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Quinoa with Chickpeas recipe, a perfect fusion of wholesome flavors and textures. Featuring fluffy quinoa cooked to perfection, protein-rich chickpeas, and an array of crisp, colorful vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion, this dish is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. A zesty lemon-garlic dressing, accented with cumin and fresh parsley, ties everything together with a refreshing burst of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe can be served warm as a hearty side or chilled for a light yet satisfying salad. Perfect for meal prep, vegetarian diets, or a quick weeknight dinner, this quinoa recipe is a healthy, flavorful addition to your kitchen repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1.5 cups chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium cucumber (diced)
• 0.5 medium red onion (finely chopped)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 large lemon (juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove its natural bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 4

Remove the cooked quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Step 5

While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped red onion, and parsley.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, sautéed garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until well combined.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Step 10

Serve immediately as a warm salad, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enjoy as a chilled dish. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1554.9 grams (1554.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1512

Total Fat 50.10g	64%
Saturated Fat 5.30g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1740mg	76%
Total Carbohydrate 212.60g	77%
Dietary Fiber 32.70g	117%
Total Sugars 30.40g
Protein 59.30g	119%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 434mg	33%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 2451mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.3%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 55.3%