Description
Looking for a vibrant, healthy dish that’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or your next meal prep session? This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is packed with fresh herbs, plant-based protein, and bright citrus flavor. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re after quick breakfast ideas, healthy food ideas, or an easy dinner recipe, this zesty bowl delivers nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 large tomato, diced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 1–2 lemons)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: crumbled feta, chopped cucumber, avocado, grilled chicken
Instructions
1. Combine quinoa and water (or broth) in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Let quinoa cool completely before combining with other ingredients.
3. While quinoa cools, chop onion, tomato, and parsley. Mince garlic if using.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing on top and toss to coat.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let it chill for 30 minutes if possible before serving.
Notes
Always rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice — bottled lacks freshness.
Letting the dish rest in the fridge enhances the flavor by allowing everything to marinate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg