Description
Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines protein-rich chickpeas with fluffy quinoa and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: 1 cup (approx. 170g), uncooked, rinsed
- Vegetable Broth or Water: 2 cups (approx. 480ml)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (15-ounce / 425g), rinsed and drained
- Fresh Parsley: ½ cup, finely chopped
- Fresh Mint: ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Fresh Dill: ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Green Onions (Scallions): 3-4 stalks, thinly sliced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (approx. 60ml)
- Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (approx. 60ml), freshly squeezed
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ – ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Sea Salt: ¾ teaspoon, or to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Cucumber: ½ cup, diced (optional)
- Cherry Tomatoes: ½ cup, halved or quartered (optional)
- Feta Cheese: ¼ cup, crumbled (optional)
- Kalamata Olives: ¼ cup, pitted and halved (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water for at least 30 seconds.
- Combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5-10 minutes covered.
- Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare fresh ingredients by chopping herbs and slicing green onions.
- Rinse and drain chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper, whisk or shake until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, add fluffed quinoa, chickpeas, herbs, and any optional additions.
- Pour dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until coated.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld (optional).
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled.
- Optional ingredients can be added or omitted based on personal preference.
- For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg