Quinoa salads are one of my favorite dishes to put together. They're an easy one pot meal that you can throw together in a cinch. Most of the time I don't plan on a specific list of vegetables to include in my quinoa salad unless I'm specifically doing a certain theme like this Greek Chickpea & Quinoa Salad or this Apple Harvest Quinoa Salad. This one here just happened to be ingredients that needed to be used up in the refrigerator that I threw together and as usual tasted amazing. I make these salads often using various ingredients each time. They usually always contain the ingredients listed here with maybe sliced cherry tomatoes, zucchini or cucumber added in, just depending on what I have on hand. They're always fresh tasting, hearty, have great texture and just plain make me happy! Make this ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator and you'll have a great option available to snack on or have as a full meal. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this salad is full of simple nutrient dense foods that will put a smile on your face and make you say AHH!
Quinoa + Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa (I used tri-color)
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 can (15oz.) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup carrots, diced small
- 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- juice of one lemon
- red pepper flakes, optional
- mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
In a fine mesh sieve rinse quinoa under cool running water.
In a large pot, combine water, quinoa and garlic powder, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove cover and let set 10 - 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Add chickpeas, carrots, scallions, bell pepper, parsley, lemon juice and spices, mix well. Serve warm or cold.
I love this with just lemon juice drizzled on top, avocado slices would be a great addition too.
Serves 3 - 4
Notes:
You can really use any seasoning here you like. I used a bit of Trader Joe's 21 Salute Seasoning mix. Or you can use an everyday seasoning, lemon pepper blend or any of your favorite spices. Even a teaspoon or so of thyme, basil, cumin or any of your favorites will work here. Keep it simple or add various spices to suit your taste.
Use more of less of any ingredient to suit your preference.
Enjoy!