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Crispy Quinoa Cucumber Chickpea Salad

Crispy Quinoa Cucumber Chickpea Salad
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The Crispy Quinoa Cucumber Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish featuring crispy quinoa, refreshing cucumber, and hearty chickpeas combined with fresh herbs and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing. This vegan and gluten-free salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed, cooked, and cooled)
  • 1 large cucumber (peeled and diced)
  • 15 oz can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • Handful of fresh parsley (chopped)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. Cook it in 2 cups of water by bringing to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until fluffy. Spread it on a baking sheet to cool completely and develop a slight crispiness as it dries.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: While quinoa cools, finely dice 1 large cucumber (peeled if preferred) and ½ cup of red onion for color and a subtle bite. Chop a generous handful of fresh parsley for herbaceous freshness.
  3. Rinse and Drain Chickpeas: Open a 15 oz can of chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. This step removes excess sodium and keeps the salad tasting fresh.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, chickpeas, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Enjoy your Crispy Quinoa Cucumber Chickpea Salad fresh!

Notes

  • Cool Quinoa Completely: Ensure quinoa is fully cooled and slightly dry for the best texture and crispiness.
  • Pat Dry Chickpeas: Removing excess moisture from chickpeas prevents sogginess in the salad.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or other herbs significantly enhance flavor brightness.
  • Adjust Lemon to Taste: Lemon juice is key—add a little more if you want extra zing.
  • Make Ahead: The salad tastes even better after a few hours, so prep ahead if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, cucumber salad, chickpea salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, healthy salad, plant-based protein, easy salad

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/crispy-quinoa-cucumber-chickpea-salad/