Description

Elevate your meals with this delightful High Protein Salad, a vibrant blend of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and chickpeas that offers a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for both light lunches and festive gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters looking to enjoy a delicious and filling dish. Enjoy it on its own or as a side with grilled chicken or turkey to amplify the protein content.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let cool briefly.
While quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber; add chopped parsley or cilantro.
In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, chickpeas, chopped veggies, and optional feta cheese until well combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture; toss gently to coat before serving immediately or chilling for later enjoyment.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating nuts or seeds into your salad.