Five Force Foods

Quinoa Chickpeas Salad

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Quinoa Chickpeas Salad

RECIPE – Quinoa Chickpeas Salad

Making a quinoa chickpea salad is delicious and nutritious! Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

### Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

– 1 cucumber, diced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)

– Juice of 1-2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)

– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions:

  1. **Cook Quinoa**: Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. **Prepare Vegetables**: While quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley and mint leaves.
  3. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint leaves.
  4. **Make Dressing**: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. **Mix Salad**: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. **Chill and Serve**: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. **Serve**: Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can garnish with additional herbs if desired.

### Variations:

– **Additions**: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced avocado, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach.

– **Protein Boost**: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

– **Nuts or Seeds**: Sprinkle with toasted nuts (like almonds or pine nuts) or seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for added crunch.

This salad is versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. It’s great for meal prep and keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days. Enjoy your quinoa chickpea salad!