Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Chickpea Salad Sunshine in a Bowl

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is just the ticket! It's bright, zesty, and packed with goodness. Honestly, it's a flavor explosion!

Brief Overview

This salad is Mediterranean inspired and brings a touch of sunshine. It is easy to make, taking only about 35 minutes total. This recipe will serve about 4 people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is a great source of plant based protein and fiber. It's a perfect dish for a light lunch or a side at a barbecue.

What makes this recipe special? It's all about the fresh herbs and zesty lemon. You know?

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa & Chickpea Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl!

This vibrant and refreshing salad is a burst of sunshine in every bite. I wanted to share something that feels light and invigorating.

Based on a classic combination of lemon, herbs, and nutty quinoa, this dish is elevated with protein packed chickpeas. It's a light, healthy, and satisfying meal that's perfect as a side dish or a complete lunch.

Think of it as a Mediterranean holiday on a plate, easy to throw together and packed with flavour. It’s chickpea and quinoa perfection!

Difficulty Level: Piece of Cake!

Honestly, this recipe is so easy. I'd say this is an easy recipe because it mainly involves cooking quinoa and chopping herbs, which are very basic skills.

No fancy techniques required, mate! Even my grandpa, who struggles to boil an egg, could nail this one.

Time to Shine: Prep and Cook

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: Enough to Share (Or Not!)

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Enough for a small family or to have some leftovers for lunch.

The Secret Weapon: Fresh Ingredients

Okay, mate, let's get this party started! This recipe is all about fresh flavours. So, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Here’s what you'll need to make Lemon Quinoa Salad Recipe , plus some additional ingredients:

• 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh Mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

If you are vegan, you can make Quinoa Plant Based Recipes , just skip the cheese!

Equipment You’ll Need

Not much needed here! You'll want your medium saucepan with lid, a colander or fine mesh sieve, a large mixing bowl, and a lemon juicer, if you have one.

Let's make sure we have the Best Quinoa Recipes Side Dishes , we will use a saucepan.

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa & Chickpea Salad: Get Ready to Shine!

Okay, mate, let's get this party started! This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas salad is about to become your new go-to.

It's Chickpea and Quinoa heaven and is a total ray of sunshine in a bowl. honestly, this Clean Quinoa Recipes is a game changer, especially if you are thinking about What Goes With Quinoa .

Imagine a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad , so refreshing and healthy, whether you fancy it as a side dish or a stand alone lunch, you name it!.

I'm not joking, Best Quinoa Recipes Side Dishes can be limited, however this is a gem. And for my plant based buddies, this Quinoa Plant Based Recipes recipe is an absolute winner!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Measuring!

• Quinoa: 1 cup (180g) , rinsed really well. Seriously, don't skip the rinsing!
• Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) . Water works too, but broth adds flavour!
• Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Go for the good stuff, it makes a difference.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) . That is about 1-2 lemons . Bottled juice is fine in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Or roughly 2 teaspoons of the jarred stuff.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , packed and chopped.
• Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup , packed and chopped.
• Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons , chopped.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese.

Seasoning Notes: Time for Flavour Town!

The lemon, herbs, and garlic create an amazing flavour profile. It's so fragrant! The perfect blend!. You know? If you're out of mint, use extra parsley, or even some basil.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you're feeling spicy. The best thing about this Easy Quinoa Lunch Ideas recipe is how it's customisable!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• Medium saucepan with lid. For cooking the quinoa.
• Colander or fine mesh sieve. Essential for rinsing that quinoa properly!
• Large mixing bowl. For combining everything.
• Lemon juicer. Optional, but makes life a bit easier.

Seriously, this Lemon Quinoa Salad Recipe is so versatile! You can throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge.

Cucumber, tomatoes, olives… go wild! A Vegan Quinoa Bowl is an excellent lunch option to consider. Just leave out the feta, of course.

And if you are considering Quinoa with Herbs and Lemon Dressing , be patient and allow the flavours to really come together.

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa & Chickpea Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl!

Okay, mate, let's get this salad party started. This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is honestly a total game changer. This vibrant and refreshing salad is a burst of sunshine in every bite.

It's perfect as a side or a complete lunch. Think Mediterranean holiday on a plate! Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Right then, first things first: mise en place . It's French for "everything in its place," and honestly, it's the secret weapon of every good cook.

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.

Essential mise en place for this recipe includes chopping your herbs (parsley, mint, chives), mincing the garlic, juicing the lemons, and rinsing the quinoa.

For time saving organization, keep all ingredients in separate bowls, ready to be added. Safety first: wash your hands before and after handling produce.

step-by-step: From Quinoa Novice to Salad Superstar

1. Cook the Quinoa: Combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes , or until all liquid is absorbed.

Fluff with a fork. Let it cool slightly.

2. Chickpea Prep: Drain and rinse 1 can chickpeas. This gets rid of that weird can juice taste.

3. Zesty Dressing Magic: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Oh my gosh , that dressing smells amazing already!

4. Combine and Conquer: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and chives.

5. Dressing Time: Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Now, this is where you taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

A little extra lemon juice? A pinch more salt? You do you.

6. Top it Off (Optional): If you're feeling fancy, crumble 1/4 cup feta cheese on top before serving.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Quinoa Game

For the best Quinoa Recipes Side Dishes , be sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly! Rinsing removes the saponin, which can make it taste bitter.

Don't overcook the quinoa; mushy quinoa is no bueno.

Common mistakes to avoid? Overcooking quinoa, or skimping on the fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are key for the Quinoa with Herbs and Lemon Dressing .

You can make this ahead! The Lemon Quinoa Salad Recipe actually tastes better after it sits for a bit, so the flavors can meld.

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you are into Clean Quinoa Recipes , ensure your bowl is clean and you are using good quality ingredients.

Recipe Notes

Okay, mate, let's get this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas party started! This salad is versatile. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to clean quinoa recipes ! Here are some extra pointers to make yours top-notch.

I once forgot to rinse my quinoa… yikes! Never again.

Serving Suggestions: How To Plate and Pair?

Plating this dish is easy! Heap the Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas into a bowl. Top with a sprinkle of extra herbs.

A lemon wedge adds a zesty touch. For a meal, try it with grilled chicken or fish. It's brilliant with a side of crusty bread! What goes with quinoa? Anything that needs a fresh, zesty kick.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad keeps well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal as the herbs lose their oomph. Reheat gently in the microwave. A splash of lemon juice will wake it up!

Variations: Make It Your Own

Want a twist? Add cucumber, tomatoes, and olives! It’s a true Mediterranean quinoa salad . For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

The dish is easily customizable. For a completely vegan quinoa bowl , skip the feta. One time, I swapped mint for basil and honestly, it was still banging.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is packed with goodness. Each serving has about 350 calories. It boasts 12g of protein and 8g of fiber.

This Quinoa Plant Based Recipes will keep you full and happy. Looking for easy quinoa lunch ideas ? Look no further! It's delicious and good for you! Don't forget the chickpea and quinoa combo.

Also this is one of the best quinoa recipes side dishes

So there you have it! All the extra tips and tricks to nail this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas recipe.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Now, go and get cooking! You got this! The basic taste is Quinoa with Herbs and Lemon Dressing , so don't be afraid to add any herbs that you prefer.