About this quinoa chickpea salad recipe
Quinoa chickpea salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that combines the nutty texture of quinoa with the creamy goodness of chickpeas. This vibrant salad is filled with fresh vegetables and topped with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, making it a delightful option for any meal.
Recipe highlights –
- Fresh, bright flavors from vegetables and herbs
- Rich in fiber and plant-based protein
- Can be made ahead for meal prep
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Vegan & gluten-free
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light meals
This healthy quinoa chickpea salad is very simple to make and highly versatile. You can easily customize its ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a nutritious addition to your weekly meal prep, this salad delivers in both flavor and health benefits.
Inspiration behind quinoa chickpea salad
This quinoa chickpea salad is inspired by the fresh, bold flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially the classic dish Tabbouleh. Traditionally, Tabbouleh features bulgur, parsley and tomatoes with a lemon dressing, offering a light, zesty, and herb-packed flavor.
In this recipe, quinoa takes the place of bulgur, adding a subtle nuttiness and fluffier texture, while chickpeas bring creaminess and a boost of plant-based protein. The chickpeas also make the salad more substantial and satisfying without losing its light, refreshing quality.
The dressing, made from olive oil and lemon juice, adds brightness and ties everything together with a zesty tang. The crispness of the cucumber and bell pepper, combined with the fresh herbs, provides a crunchy, refreshing bite in every spoonful.
Main ingredients for the salad
The following are the main ingredients used for making this quinoa chickpea salad –
- Quinoa – For this salad, you’ll want to use white quinoa for its neutral flavor and fluffy texture. To cook quinoa, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and cook in a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork before adding it to the salad. You can also make the quinoa in advance for faster prep.
- Chickpeas – You can use either canned or dried chickpeas. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. If using canned chickpeas, just drain and rinse them well before using.
- Vegetables – Fresh and crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chickpeas and soft quinoa.
- Dressing – A simple and flavorful dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper imparts a fresh zesty flavor to the salad.
- Herbs – I have added mint leaves to this salad, however these are optional and you can replace them with some parsley or other fresh herbs as well.
Variations and customization
One of the great things about quinoa chickpea salad is how customizable it is. You can easily add or swap ingredients based on what you have available or your personal taste.
- Vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as grated carrots, radishes, zucchini, or leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
- Herbs – Instead of mint leaves, try freshly chopped parsley, dill or coriander to change the flavor profile.
- Cheese – If you’re not vegan, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or grated paneer for added creaminess.
- Proteins – For an extra protein boost you can add in some grilled or roasted tofu.
- Texture – You can also add roasted chickpeas, or crispy quinoa for a crunchy texture.
Health and nutritional information
This quinoa chickpea salad is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a balanced and health-conscious meal. The combination of quinoa and chickpeas makes this salad a complete meal in itself, perfect for vegetarians and vegans who need high-protein options.
- Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs. It’s also high in fiber, iron, and magnesium, which help with digestion, energy production, and maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
- Chickpeas are another rich source of plant-based protein and fiber. They contribute to improved digestion, help stabilize blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full for longer periods.
- Fresh vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants.
- Olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.
- Lemon juice adds a boost of Vitamin C.
- Herbs like parsley and mint contribute additional antioxidants and vitamins, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
Serving suggestions
Quinoa chickpea salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It can stand alone as a light main dish, especially during warm weather when you’re craving something fresh and easy. Pair it with a side of pita bread, hummus, or a tangy yogurt dip for a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
For a heartier lunch or dinner option, you can serve this salad as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables. It works beautifully at summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, as it can be served at room temperature and holds up well throughout the day without wilting or losing its flavor.
Additionally, quinoa chickpea salad makes for an excellent meal-prep option. It keeps well in the fridge for several days, allowing the flavors to deepen. Pack it into individual containers for a quick, grab-and-go lunch throughout the week, or store it as a make-ahead side dish for busy nights when you want something fast and healthy.
To make quinoa chickpea salad at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with pictures posted below.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
Recipe Info
Nutrition
Ingredients For Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
For the salad
- 2 Cups Quinoa cooked
- 2 Cups White Chickpeas (Safed Chane) cooked
- 1/2 Cup Onion finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup Tomato finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup Cucumber (Kheera) finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup Red Bell Pepper finely chopped
For the dressing
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Step By Step Instructions for Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
Making the dressing
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, 3 Garlic Cloves
- Add oregano, black pepper powder and salt and mix well.1 Teaspoon Oregano, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch), 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Making the salad
- Add cooked quinoa in a large mixing bowl. You can cook the quinoa fresh, or use leftover quinoa.To cook the quinoa, rinse 1 cup uncooked quinoa and place it in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.2 Cups Quinoa
- Add cooked chickpeas to the bowl. You can use canned or dried chickpeas.If using dried chickpeas, pressure cook them on high heat till you get one whistle, then cook them on low heat for 30 mins. If using canned chickpeas, drain the liquid and rinse them before adding.2 Cups White Chickpeas (Safed Chane)
- Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber and red bell pepper to the bowl.1/2 Cup Onion, 1/2 Cup Tomato, 1/2 Cup Cucumber (Kheera), 1/2 Cup Red Bell Pepper
- Pour the prepared dressing and mix all the ingredients well.
- Quinoa chickpea salad is ready. You can sprinkle some finely chopped mint leaves, parsley, dill or coriander leaves as per your preference. You can also add crumbled feta cheese to the salad.
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