Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

This vibrant and healthy Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Packed with protein and fiber, it makes for a delicious and nutritious meal that is both satisfying and refreshing. The zesty lemon-tahini dressing adds a tangy and creamy finish that complements the wholesome ingredients perfectly.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water, as needed to thin the dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:
– In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
– Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover the saucepan.
– Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and can easily be fluffed with a fork.
– Remove from the heat and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and maple syrup or honey until smooth.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– If the dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley.
– Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.

4. Serve:
– Serve the salad immediately or chill for an hour to meld the flavors together.
– Enjoy the salad on its own or as a side dish to your favorite meal.

This Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, making it a great addition to your healthy eating routine. Enjoy!