Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Enjoy a vibrant and nutritious meal with this Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Salad. This versatile dish celebrates a medley of flavors, combining the nutty taste of quinoa with aromatic curry or garam masala, along with the crunch of fresh vegetables like green onions and carrots. Dried cranberries add a hint of sweetness, beautifully balancing the spicy elements. The creamy yogurt-cumin dressing elevates the salad to new heights of deliciousness, making it satisfying and refreshing for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. Perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers, this recipe can seamlessly adapt to your dietary preferences by substituting chickpeas with flaky cooked salmon or tuna. A delightful option for potlucks or family gatherings, it’s sure to please a crowd!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (For boiling quinoa)
quinoa
1 cup (Well-rinsed and drained)
curry powder or garam masala
2 teaspoons (For seasoning quinoa)
green onions
8 (Chopped)
chickpeas
2 (15 ounce) cans (Rinsed and drained)
shredded carrots
2 cups (Freshly shredded)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (For sweetness)
plain nonfat yogurt
1 cup (For dressing)
chopped cilantro
1/2 cup (For dressing)
lemon juice
3 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (To enhance flavor)
hot chili sauce
1 teaspoon (Or to taste)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (For dressing)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the plain nonfat yogurt, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, hot chili sauce, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa along with the curry powder or garam masala. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy.
3
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped green onions, drained chickpeas, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries until evenly mixed.
4
Once the quinoa is cooked, allow it to cool slightly, then either mix it directly into the vegetable mixture for a cohesive salad or serve it by placing the quinoa on plates and topping it with the vegetable medley.
5
Drizzle the meal with the chilled yogurt-cumin dressing before serving, and enjoy this nutritious salad either warm or cold!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Quinoa Chickpea Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious meal that combines nutty quinoa, aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a creamy yogurt-cumin dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is completely vegetarian, using chickpeas as the primary protein source.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients for the salad base?
The salad base includes quinoa, green onions, chickpeas, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries.
How do I cook the quinoa?
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add rinsed quinoa and curry powder or garam masala, then simmer for about 20 minutes.
What spices are used to season the quinoa?
The quinoa is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of either curry powder or garam masala.
How much water is needed to cook the quinoa?
You will need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of well-rinsed quinoa.
What is in the creamy yogurt dressing?
The dressing is made of plain nonfat yogurt, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, hot chili sauce, and ground cumin.
Can I substitute the chickpeas with something else?
Yes, for meat lovers or dietary variety, you can substitute chickpeas with flaky cooked salmon or tuna.
How much yogurt is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of plain nonfat yogurt.
Is the dressing spicy?
The dressing contains 1 teaspoon of hot chili sauce, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, this salad can be enjoyed either warm or cold, making it very versatile.
How many cans of chickpeas do I need?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
It takes approximately 20 minutes for the quinoa to absorb the water and become fluffy.
What provides sweetness in this salad?
1/2 cup of dried cranberries adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spicy elements.
How are the carrots prepared for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of freshly shredded carrots.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe uses 8 chopped green onions.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the quinoa should be well-rinsed and drained before boiling.
What kind of citrus is used in the dressing?
Both fresh lemon juice (3 teaspoons) and grated lemon zest (1 teaspoon) are used.
How much cilantro is needed for the dressing?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro for the dressing.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great nutritious option for lunch or dinner and can be served at various temperatures.
Can I use garam masala instead of curry powder?
Yes, the recipe allows for either curry powder or garam masala depending on your preference.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its ability to be served warm or cold and its vibrant colors make it a crowd-pleaser for potlucks.
How should I store the dressing?
The dressing should be refrigerated after mixing to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
What is the amount of ground cumin used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can I serve the vegetables on top of the quinoa instead of mixing?
Yes, you can either mix everything together or place the quinoa on plates and top it with the vegetable medley.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include vegetarian, flexitarian, healthy recipe, gluten-free, and quick meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and balanced meal featuring protein-rich chickpeas and high-fiber quinoa.
When should I add the dressing?
Drizzle the chilled yogurt-cumin dressing over the meal right before serving.