Name: Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a satisfying meal on its own. Quinoa is a great source of protein, and adding chickpeas boosts the protein content even more. This recipe is not just healthy; it’s also quick and easy to make. Plus, the zesty lemon dressing makes every bite refreshing!

How to Make Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Prepare the vegetables: dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and chop the parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas

Serve this dish warm or at room temperature. It goes well on its own or as a side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Adding lemon wedges enhances the flavor, so don’t skip them!

How to Store Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The quinoa salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it gently in the microwave.

Tips to Make Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas

Make sure to rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
If you want extra veggies, feel free to add cucumbers, spinach, or any of your favorite vegetables to the mix.
For additional flavor, consider adding feta cheese or avocado for creaminess.

Variation

You can switch up the herbs in this recipe. Instead of parsley, try cilantro or basil for a different taste. You can also replace chickpeas with black beans for a change.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and enjoy the next day for lunch or dinner.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I freeze Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas!