Greek cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and heart-healthy options. The Quinoa Chickpea Salad perfectly encapsulates these qualities. This vegan salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa, the protein punch of chickpeas, and the freshness of vegetables, all tied together with a zesty dressing.
If you’re seeking more plant-based chickpea recipes, feel free to browse my complete collection of vegan chickpea recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa
- 1 ¼ cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Salad
- 1 19oz can rinsed and drained chickpeas
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half
- ⅓ cup vegan feta
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Helpful Tools
To prepare this Quinoa Chickpea Salad, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk for dressing
- Saucepan for cooking quinoa
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
How to Make this Greek Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious Greek-inspired salad:
- Cook the Quinoa: Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. Once cooked, allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add Vegan Feta: Gently toss in the vegan feta to enhance the creamy texture of the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Greek dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For a finishing touch, garnish your Quinoa Chickpea Salad with fresh parsley if desired. Now, savor the Mediterranean goodness!
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Infusion: Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth adds a delightful depth of flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preferences.
- Make-Ahead: This salad tastes even better when refrigerated for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
FAQ
Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Yes, you can experiment with different vinegars like balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a unique twist. Or you can even use lemon juice instead.
Absolutely! Avocado adds a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats. Just dice it up and toss it in.
Quinoa Chickpea Greek Salad
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 ¼ cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups water or veg broth
Salad
- 1 19oz can rinsed and drained chickpeas
- 1 english cucumber, diced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, cut in half
- ⅓ cup vegan feta
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, and allow to cool. (I cooked mine in veg broth for more flavour)
- Meanwhile, chop your veggies and make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, dijon, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped ingredients, cooled quinoa and Greek dressing. Toss to combine. Top with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Greek Quinoa Chickpea Salad
The Quinoa Chickpea Salad is not just a salad; it’s a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. With its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless customization possibilities, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. So, embrace the Greek spirit and enjoy a bowl of this refreshing salad today!
Very nice salad I was looking for something that was more filling and plant based and this hit the spot!
Thanks so much Sam, the quinoa defiantly helps this recipe be more filling!