Herbed Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean salad with fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, crisp veggies, and feta, tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying high-fiber lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
TIPOnce cooked, remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork to separate the grains. - 2
Step 2
- 3
Step 3
TIPFor a creamier dressing, shake all ingredients vigorously in a sealed jar. - 4
Step 4
- a.Add the cooked and fluffed quinoa to the large bowl with the vegetables.
- b.Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas.
- c.Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine everything well.
- d.Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
- 5
Step 5
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- 2For the best flavor, use a block of feta packed in brine and crumble it yourself.
- 3This salad is great for meal prep. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- 4Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or dill for extra flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your quinoa and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
high proteinHigh protein
For an extra protein boost, add 400g of grilled chicken breast or shrimp to the salad.
low carbLow carb
To lower the carbohydrate content, replace the quinoa with an equal amount of cauliflower rice.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For a kid-friendly version, reduce the amount of red onion and serve the olives on the side, as some children find them strong-flavored.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, and combined with chickpeas, this salad provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
High in Dietary Fiber
The chickpeas, quinoa, and fresh vegetables contribute a significant amount of fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The olive oil and Kalamata olives are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This salad is a great source of essential nutrients, including iron from chickpeas, magnesium from quinoa, and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables and lemon juice.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein, high in fiber from chickpeas and vegetables, and contains healthy fats from olive oil and olives. It's a well-balanced meal that provides sustained energy.