Description
A refreshing and nutritious Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas recipe that combines fluffy quinoa, protein-packed chickpeas, and vibrant fresh herbs for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfect as a main course or side, this versatile meal is easy to prepare, suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa and Broth
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Chickpeas and Flavorings
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Sauté Garlic: While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, sautéed garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and dill or basil. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss everything together until well mixed.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the quinoa mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Lemon Herb Quinoa warm or chilled, topped with optional crumbled feta cheese and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for meal prepping as it tastes great warm or cold.
- Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to turn it into a heartier salad bowl.
- Feel free to substitute dill with fresh basil depending on your herb preference.
- Use gluten-free vegetable broth to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
