HIGH-PROTEIN CHICKPEA QUINOA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
- 30 ounces chickpeas 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained, and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked)
- Dash of paprika (optional)
- Dash of garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup plus ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup dry quinoa or 4 cups cooked
- 5 medium Roma tomatoes diced (about 8 ounces)
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 3 medium lemons)
- 1 long English cucumber diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 ½ cups diced red onion (about 1 medium)
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or hearts (optional)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Roast the chickpeas (optional): Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Rub the chickpeas between layers of a kitchen or paper towel to dry. Transfer them to a large bowl. Add a generous dash of paprika, garlic powder, and salt, plus a drizzle of olive oil. Toss until evenly coated. Place them on a large rimmed
- baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes. Change the oven setting to broil and cook for about 3 minutes more, or until crispy
- Cook the quinoa according to the directions on the packet. Set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large rimmed dish to cool
- Drain tomatoes (optional): Meanwhile, transfer the chopped tomatoes to a strainer. Add a generous dash of salt and toss until evenly coated. Set aside to drain. Toss the tomatoes to remove excess liquid.
- Make jars (optional): Place 3 (32-ounce) Mason jars in a row. To each jar, add 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 cup cucumber, ¾ cup tomatoes, ½ cup red onion, 1 cup chickpeas, 1 ⅓ cups quinoa, 3 tablespoons hemp seeds (if using), and ⅓ cup cilantro. Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.
For serving:
Jars: Invert the jar and shake it over a medium bowl. Mix to combine. Add salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste.
Skip the jars and combine the salad and dressing in a large bowl instead. Add salt and pepper to taste.