Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Quinoa:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool.
2. Make Lemon Tahini Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually until you achieve your desired dressing consistency. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley.
4. Add the Dressing:
- Pour the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Season and Garnish:
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. Serve:
- Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and serve immediately.
This salad is not only delicious but also rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Feel free to customise it by adding other vegetables, nuts, or seeds according to your taste preferences. It's a perfect option for a light and satisfying meal. Enjoy!