Protein Power Quinoa Salad
The Inspiration…
I work from home most days. This means I am usually fridge-foraging for lunch. I do best when I have at least one thing in the fridge already prepared for the week. Whether that is some grilled chicken to toss on top of some lettuce, or something like this Protein Power Quinoa Salad, that is easy to grab and will keep my full and satisfied until dinner.
As the name implies, this salad is packed with protein, which comes from the quinoa, chickpeas, and pistachios. It has a fresh bite from the cucumber and parsley. The dried cherries add in some sweetness. The dressing is flavorful and tangy. This Quinoa salad will last the workweek in an airtight container in the fridge. My husband even loves it! It is a winner all around. Try taking this to a picnic this summer! You won’t have to worry about it sitting in the sun for a bit, unlike some of those mayonnaise-heavy summer salad recipes. This might just become your new favorite!!
You’ll start by preparing your quinoa. Not only is this grain high in protein, but the fiber in quinoa can help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is also rich in antioxidants. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease. It is a powerhouse food! Don’t sleep on it!
While your quinoa cooks, you can mix up the dressing. Combine your red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, brown mustard, and honey. Mix until well combined.
Now get your other ingredients prepped. Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Chop your cucumber and parsley. Now we’re ready to assemble our salad.
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, pistachios, dried cherries, and parsley. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated evenly. Now pour your dressing over the top and mix again so that everything is well dressed.
Did you know that pistachios contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants? Another power food! Go ahead and google some health benefits. You’ll be amazed!
Now dig in! You’ll get sweet, salty, savory all in one bite, plus you’re nourishing your body with nutritious, clean ingredients! What could be better?
Protein Power Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
- 2 3/4 cup water
- 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup pistachios, shelled
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
- 2 TBSP red wine vinegar
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 TBSP honey
Instructions
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly, then add to a medium size saucepan.
- Add the water and 1 tsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
- While the quinoa cooks, mix up the dressing by combining the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, brown mustard, and honey.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, in a serving bowl, mix together the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, pistachios, cherries, and parsley until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the dressing over the top and mix again until everything is coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
If you don't have spicy brown mustard, you can use Dijon in its place.
This salad can be served warm or cold. If you prefer cold, let the quinoa cool in the fridge prior to mixing in the rest of the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
343.88Fat
12.22Sat. Fat
1.5Carbs
47.92Fiber
8.81Net carbs
39.13Sugar
10.66Protein
12.64Sodium
384Cholesterol
0Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.