Chickpea Salad Quinoa Bowl
A fresh and satisfying vegan meal, this bowl features a creamy mashed chickpea salad served over fluffy quinoa and drizzled with a zesty tahini dressing. It's packed with plant-based protein and perfect for a healthy lunch.
For 2 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the quinoa
- b.Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.
- c.In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 1 1/3 cups of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- d.Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- e.Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the chickpea salad
- b.In a medium bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
- c.Mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are broken down but still have some texture.
- d.Add the vegan mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped red onion, dried dill, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- e.Mix well until everything is combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the tahini dressing
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice. It will seize up and get thick.
- c.Add 3 tablespoons of water and the garlic powder, and continue to whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- d.If it's too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the bowls
- b.Divide the cooked quinoa evenly between two bowls.
- c.Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the chickpea salad.
- d.Garnish with the chopped cucumber.
- e.Drizzle the tahini dressing over everything and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, toast the dry quinoa in the saucepan for a minute before adding water.
- 2Don't over-mash the chickpeas; leaving some texture creates a more pleasant bite.
- 3If your tahini dressing is too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it's perfectly drizzly.
- 4This recipe is great for meal prep. Store the quinoa, chickpea salad, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your quinoa is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/4 cup of shelled edamame or hemp seeds to each bowl for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked quinoa pouches to save time on cooking the grain.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve the components separately (deconstructed) and reduce or omit the red onion for a milder flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Paired with chickpeas, this bowl provides a substantial amount of protein to support muscle health and keep you full.
High in Fiber
With fiber from chickpeas, quinoa, and vegetables, this meal supports healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The tahini dressing is a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy and balanced meal. It's rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas and quinoa, high in fiber for digestive health, and contains healthy fats from tahini.