Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

 

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint leaves.

4. Add the Dressing:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.

5. Toss Until Well Coated:

   • Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Chill and Marinate (Optional):

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
   • Refrigerate the Mediterranean chickpea and quinoa salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve:

   • Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

8. Enjoy!

   • Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean chickpea and quinoa salad as a delicious side dish or light meal. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy addition to your lunch or dinner menu!