Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

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Mediterranean grilled chickpea quinoa salad garnished with fresh vegetables
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Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This salad combines protein-packed chickpeas and quinoa with crunchy veggies and zesty spices. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or a delicious meal prep option.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s healthy! Chickpeas and quinoa provide essential nutrients and keep you feeling full. Second, it’s easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip this salad up in no time. Finally, it’s versatile – you can enjoy it warm or cold, and it makes an excellent dish for gatherings or picnics.

How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Making Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad is a simple process. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the chickpeas evenly.
  2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  3. Grill the chickpeas for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred.
  4. In another bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and grilled chickpeas.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately or chilled.

How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

This salad can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it on its own for a light meal, or pair it with grilled meats or fish. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or pitas. For an extra hint of Mediterranean flavor, drizzle some extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

How to Store Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days. If you plan to add fresh herbs or dressing, consider doing that when you are ready to eat it to keep everything fresh.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chickpeas for an hour before grilling.
  • If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work as a substitute.
  • Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and taste.

Variation

You can customize this salad in many ways. Add feta cheese for a creamy texture or avocado for extra richness. You can also substitute the cucumber with avocado or replace quinoa with bulgur for a different grain option.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day ahead. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and add fresh herbs right before serving for the best flavor.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad! It’s a delicious way to eat healthy and enjoy a burst of flavors.

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Mediterranean Grilled Chickpea Quinoa Salad

  • Author: krmibk110
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing salad combining protein-packed chickpeas and quinoa with crunchy veggies and zesty spices, perfect for lunches or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the chickpeas evenly.
  2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  3. Grill the chickpeas for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred.
  4. In another bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and grilled chickpeas.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chickpeas for an hour before grilling. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work as a substitute. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, quinoa salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, meal prep

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