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Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- Meanwhile, pat dry the chickpeas with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Quinoa salad has been a staple in South American cuisine for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the Andean region. The dish gained popularity in the United States in the 21st century due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. Chefs and home cooks have since experimented with various ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture. The addition of roasted chickpeas brings a delightful crunch to the salad, elevating its overall appeal. This twist on the traditional recipe has been embraced by health-conscious food enthusiasts and has become a popular choice in modern restaurants and cafes. For the best version of this dish, seek out eateries that prioritize fresh, organic ingredients and skillfully balance the flavors and textures. The key to a successful quinoa salad with roasted chickpeas lies in achieving the perfect balance of nuttiness from the quinoa, crispiness from the chickpeas, and a harmonious blend of complementary flavors from the dressing and other ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad continues to captivate palates around the world.
40 min
4
320 calories
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