Lemony Millet & Chickpea Salad
A vibrant and wholesome Lemony Millet & Chickpea Salad, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days. Its bright, zesty flavors deepen overnight, offering a delicious and nutritious option.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Vegetables & Chickpeas**: Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic. Rinse and thoroughly drain the canned chickpeas. Chop the fresh parsley.
**Prepare Dressing**: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
**Combine Main Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked millet, rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
**Dress the Salad**: Pour the prepared lemon-herb dressing evenly over the millet and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
**Add Herbs**: Add the fresh chopped parsley to the bowl with the other ingredients.
**Toss and Season**: Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or lemon juice) if necessary to your preference.
**Chill for Flavor Development**: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This salad is even more delicious when made a few hours or a day in advance.
**Serve**: Serve chilled as a refreshing light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or as part of a larger meal. Stir gently before serving if it has been sitting for a while.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Perfect Millet**: To cook millet, use a 1:2 ratio of millet to water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the millet is fluffy. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork and cool completely before using.
- 2**Customization**: Feel free to add other vegetables like grated carrots, chopped celery, or roasted zucchini. For a non-vegan option, crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese makes a fantastic addition, especially with the Mediterranean flavors.
- 3**Storage**: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and improve over time, making it excellent for meal prep.
- 4**Protein Boost**: For an extra protein kick, consider adding grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu cubes, or hard-boiled eggs just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mediterranean Twist
Add 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup crumbled vegan feta (or regular feta if not vegan), and a sprinkle of dried oregano to the dressing for an authentic Mediterranean flair.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes into the dressing or finely dice a small jalapeño and add it to the salad for a pleasant heat.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Replace parsley with fresh dill, mint, or a combination of fresh herbs like cilantro and chives for a different aromatic profile and unique flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Millet and chickpeas are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making this a satisfying and complete vegan meal.
Vitamins & Antioxidants
Packed with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber, this salad delivers a good dose of essential vitamins (like Vitamin C) and antioxidants, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, quinoa, couscous, farro, or even brown rice can be substituted for millet. Adjust cooking times according to the specific grain used and ensure it's cooled before mixing.
