make a flavorful and nutritious Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Vegetables:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Put it aside.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley or cilantro.
Add Feta (Optional):
If you're using feta cheese, crumble it into the salad.
Pour Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
Toss and Season:
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also serve it immediately if preferred.
Serve:
Serve your Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Vegetables as a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish.
Enjoy your homemade Quinoa Salad! It's packed with protein, fiber, and fresh flavors, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious meal or a potluck gathering.